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Cheesy Baked Sausage Penne
There’s something deeply comforting about pulling a bubbling pasta bake out of the oven. That golden, melty cheese. The rich tomato sauce gently simmering underneath. The smell alone is enough to gather everyone in the kitchen before you even call them to the table.
This Cheesy Baked Sausage Penne is one of those cozy, dependable dinners that never disappoints. It’s hearty, saucy, and packed with flavor from savory Italian sausage and garlic. The cream softens the marinara just enough to make it silky, and the trio of cheeses melts into that irresistible, stretchy topping we all secretly hope for.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinner parties, or those evenings when you just want something warm and satisfying. Let’s get it into the oven.
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (pork), casings removed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add the penne and cook until al dente — tender but still with a little bite.
Drain the pasta and set it aside. It will finish cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it here.
2. Brown the sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage and begin breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Let it cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it off.
3. Add garlic and seasoning
Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Cook for about a minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. You’ll smell that warm, savory aroma instantly.
4. Make the sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir everything together until smooth and combined.
Let it gently simmer for 4–5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and take on a beautiful creamy tomato color.
5. Combine with pasta
Add the cooked penne directly into the skillet. Toss well so every piece is coated in that rich, sausage-studded sauce.
At this point, it already smells incredible.
6. Add the cheese
Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan over the top. Make sure you cover it edge to edge — this is the good part.
7. Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. You’ll hear it sizzling when you pull it out.
Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything settle and makes it easier to scoop.
8. Garnish and serve
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a little brightness and color. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy bite.
Presentation
For a beautiful serving, use a large spoon to scoop generous portions onto plates, making sure to get some of that golden cheese crust on each serving.
A light dusting of extra Parmesan just before serving adds a little extra flair. If you want to elevate it further, serve with a simple green salad on the side and warm garlic bread for dipping.
That contrast of crisp salad and creamy pasta makes the whole meal feel balanced and complete.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
🔥 Kcal: Approximately 720 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Sausage Penne is the kind of meal that brings people back for seconds. It’s hearty, comforting, and layered with flavor in every bite. The creamy tomato sauce, the savory sausage, the stretchy cheese — it all comes together in the most satisfying way.
If you’re looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels like a warm hug in a baking dish, this is it. Give it a try soon — your kitchen will smell amazing, and your table will be very happy.
