Italian Sausage Penne Casserole

This Italian sausage penne casserole is rich, hearty, and incredibly easy to make. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings because it combines comfort and flavor in every bite. Perfectly baked with gooey mozzarella, this dish will impress your guests while being simple enough for a quick dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this casserole without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: This dish pleases even the pickiest eaters, making it ideal for families.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Italian sausage and melted cheese creates a delightful taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
• Great for Meal Prep: You can make this casserole ahead of time and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Casserole dish (3 quart)
• Cooking spoon
• Colander

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Allows you to cook the sausage and sauté vegetables evenly.
• Casserole dish: Perfect for baking your Italian sausage penne casserole thoroughly.
• Cooking spoon: Essential for mixing ingredients and ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
• Colander: Great for draining pasta efficiently after cooking.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Italian sausage penne casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Casserole

• 16 oz box Penne pasta
• 2 lb Hot Italian Sausage (can use sweet or mild Italian)
• 24 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 28 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1½ tsp basil
• 1½ tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

How to Make Italian Sausage Penne Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 3-quart casserole dish with non-stick spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Remove the casing from the hot Italian sausage.
– Add it to a large skillet over medium heat.
– Crumble the sausage as it cooks until browned and fully cooked through.
– Drain excess grease from the skillet but reserve about 2 tablespoons.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

• In the same skillet, add back the reserved grease.
• Stir in the diced onions and minced garlic.
• Sauté until the onions become translucent.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

• Pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juice into the skillet.
• Add basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Let this mixture cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Simmer with Sausage

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet.
– Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
– Cover and let simmer for about 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Cook Pasta

While your mixture simmers:
– Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
– Drain and rinse pasta before placing it back in its pan.

Step 7: Combine Pasta with Mixture

Add the sausage mixture into the pan with pasta.
– Mix well until all components are combined evenly.
– Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted.

Step 8: Assemble Casserole

Layer half of your meat and pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
– Sprinkle some cheese on top before adding the remaining meat mixture.
– Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 9: Bake Your Casserole

Cover your dish with foil and bake in preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and heated through.
– If desired, remove foil during the last few minutes to brown off cheese slightly.

Step 10: Serve

Once done, remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Italian sausage penne casserole alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread!

How to Serve Italian Sausage Penne Casserole

Serving Italian sausage penne casserole is an art that enhances its rich flavors. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, and with the right accompaniments, it can be a memorable meal.

With a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness to balance the casserole’s richness.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with creamy dressing and croutons pairs wonderfully with the cheesy pasta.

With Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic butter is ideal for sopping up the delicious sauce.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Elevate your garlic bread by adding mozzarella or parmesan cheese before baking for extra flavor.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Mixed Roasted Veggies: Seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots roasted until tender provide a colorful side dish packed with nutrients.
• Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Simply toss broccoli florets in olive oil and garlic then roast for a healthy side that complements the dish perfectly.

With Wine

• Red Wine: A glass of medium-bodied red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, enhances the meal’s flavors and makes for a sophisticated pairing.
• Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, serve sparkling water with lemon slices to cleanse the palate.

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How to Perfect Italian Sausage Penne Casserole

To achieve the best results with your Italian sausage penne casserole, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Sausage: Choosing high-quality hot Italian sausage will enhance the dish’s flavor profile significantly.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta; it will continue cooking in the oven and absorb flavors without becoming mushy.
• Layer Cheese Generously: Adding plenty of cheese not only makes it gooey but also creates a deliciously crispy top layer when baked.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to tweak the basil and oregano quantities based on your preference; fresh herbs can also elevate the dish.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after baking makes it easier to serve and helps flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage Penne Casserole

Pairing side dishes with your Italian sausage penne casserole can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this hearty meal.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic offer comfort and pair well with rich casseroles.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing contrast.
3. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus provides a crisp texture that balances out the rich flavors of the casserole.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil is a delightful appetizer that sets the tone for an Italian feast.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness of the casserole.
6. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables offers variety and complements the main dish perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Italian sausage penne casserole, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect your dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Using the wrong pasta: Choosing a pasta other than penne can alter the texture and absorbency of the flavors. Stick to penne for the best results.
• Skipping the grease: Failing to reserve sausage grease for sautéing onions and garlic can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always keep a couple of tablespoons for richer taste.
• Not cooking sausage thoroughly: Undercooking the sausage could lead to food safety issues. Make sure it’s browned and cooked all the way through before mixing.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking your penne too long will make it mushy in the casserole. Aim for al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Not tasting your sauce before adding it to the pasta may result in blandness. Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your palate.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The casserole can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Italian Sausage Penne Casserole

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with foil.
• It will keep well for about 2-3 months.

Reheating Italian Sausage Penne Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil. Bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring often until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Italian sausage penne casserole.

What can I substitute for Italian sausage in this casserole?

You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option. For vegetarians, crumbled tofu or plant-based sausage works well too.

Can I make Italian Sausage Penne Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just assemble everything and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

How do I customize my Italian Sausage Penne Casserole?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. You can also experiment with different cheeses for added flavor.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep since it reheats well and is filling enough for lunches throughout the week.

What sides pair well with Italian Sausage Penne Casserole?

Serve it alongside garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that balances flavors nicely.

Final Thoughts

Italian sausage penne casserole is not only hearty but also incredibly easy to make. This dish serves as an excellent comfort food that you can customize based on your preferences. Feel free to add extra veggies or different cheeses to make it truly your own!