Name: Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz medium pasta shells; 2 teaspoon olive oil, or cooking oil of choice; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup shallots, (or onions) minced; 12 oz italian sausage, removed from casing; 28 oz can crushed tomatoes; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 ½ tablespoon granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon kosher salt, (or more to taste); ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste; pinch red pepper flakes, optional; ¾ cup low fat (2%) cottage cheese, small curds; 6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; chopped italian parsley, for garnish

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Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. With its rich, tomato-infused sauce, creamy cheeses, and hearty Italian sausage, each mouthful transports you straight to a cozy Italian bistro. The beauty of this dish lies in its balance; the saucy goodness mingles beautifully with the tenderness of medium pasta shells, creating a satisfying harmony that lingers on your palate. This recipe is perfect for those bustling weeknights or relaxed weekends when the family gathers around the table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole

Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole

I first stumbled upon this cheesy wonder during a chilly autumn evening when a craving for home-cooked warmth struck. I wanted something hands-on yet fuss-free, and this Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole not only filled that craving but became an instant family favorite. With easy preparations and the delightful aroma wafting from your oven, it beckons everyone home for a hearty meal. Let’s explore this crowd-pleaser that promises to warm hearts and fill bellies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep takes only about 15 minutes, and dinner will be on the table in less than an hour.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory Italian sausage, fragrant garlic, and creamy cheeses makes every bite heavenly.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The bubbling, golden cheese on top makes this dish a showstopper at any gathering.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegetarian diets by swapping sausage with mushrooms or more vegetables.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 oz medium pasta shells: A great choice for holding onto the creamy sauce and flavors. You can substitute with other shapes like penne or rigatoni if desired.
2 teaspoon olive oil: For sautéing the garlic and shallots. Feel free to use any cooking oil you prefer.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant punch. Use fresh garlic for the most flavor; jarred may not yield the same aromatic experience.
½ cup shallots, minced: These bring a sweet and subtle flavor compared to standard onions. Onions can be substituted if needed.
12 oz Italian sausage, removed from casing: Gives a delicious, hearty flavor. You can use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
28 oz can crushed tomatoes: Provides the base for our savory sauce. Opt for high-quality tomatoes for the best taste.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds thickness to the sauce. Always check for low-sodium options if you’re watching your salt intake.
1 ½ tablespoon granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Make sure to taste and adjust if needed.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the dish. Adjust according to your personal taste preference.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Provides a mild heat; freshly ground will have more flavor.
Pinch red pepper flakes, optional: For a touch of warmth. Feel free to skip if you prefer a milder dish.
¾ cup low-fat (2%) cottage cheese, small curds: Adds creaminess with less fat than traditional ricotta.
6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes: Melts beautifully, creating gooey pockets of cheese throughout the dish.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Topping for baking that provides a glorious cheesy crust.
Chopped Italian parsley, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor to finish off the dish.

How to Make Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole

Cook pasta: Prepare 8 oz medium pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool a bit while you make the sauce. This allows the pasta to hold its shape during baking.

Make sauce: Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and ½ cup minced shallots; cook for 2-3 minutes until softened, stirring often. Add 12 oz Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from getting too greasy!

Simmer: Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick if desired. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let cook for about 10-15 minutes. Check the seasoning and let cool for about 15 minutes.

Assemble: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooled sauce, ¾ cup low-fat cottage cheese, and 6 oz mozzarella cubes. Toss everything together until well-coated. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring an even spread. Top generously with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake: Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For that extra touch, broil for 30-45 seconds to get a bubbly, golden top. Once done, let it sit for 5-8 minutes before serving, which helps it set. Garnish with chopped parsley for that fresh finish.

Storing & Reheating

You can store leftovers of this wonderful pasta casserole at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If you have any remaining, transfer them to an airtight container in the fridge where it will last for about 3-4 days. For long-term storage, freeze it wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed throughout. You may find the texture slightly changes, but adding a splash of marinara can refresh those flavors!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the pasta during the initial boiling; it should be slightly firm since it will continue to cook in the oven.
If you want a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more cottage cheese, or even a splash of cream.
Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature before assembly so that everything mixes evenly.
To enhance the flavor, sprinkle some dried Italian herbs like oregano or basil over the top before baking.
This dish is perfect for meal prepping as it keeps well and can be reheated easily.

Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that caters to your comfort food cravings. Rich, cheesy, and oh-so satisfying, it seamlessly blends pantry staples with fresh flavors. Try mixing things up with different meats or cheeses to create your own unique version. Don’t forget to share your twists and toppings! Enjoy this dish with family and friends, and let the good times roll around the dinner table!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the Italian sausage with a mix of your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a delicious and colorful vegetarian version.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator before baking. Just be sure to extend the baking time by a few minutes if the casserole is coming straight from the fridge.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like ricotta, gouda, or parmesan for different flavor profiles. Just remember to adjust the quantities based on the cheese’s melting properties.

What if I have leftovers?

Leftovers are a fantastic way to enjoy this dish! Store it in the refrigerator, and simply reheat in the oven or microwave. Alternatively, you can freeze individual portions for later enjoyment.