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 ultimate comfort meal that delivers a hearty, delicious punch! This baked pasta dish combines tender pasta shells and savory Italian sausage with a rich tomato sauce and bubbling cheese. It’s the type of meal that makes you feel warm and cozy inside, perfect for a family gathering or a casual weeknight dinner. With its melty mozzarella and creamy cottage cheese, every bite is practically an embrace; it’s hard to resist going back for seconds.

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

When I first whipped up this recipe, it quickly became a household favorite. It was the kind of meal that elicits smiles around the table, and the aroma filling the house while it bakes is simply tempting. What’s even better is that this dish is not only easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy people, but it also caters to everyone’s palate. Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole is effortlessly crowd-pleasing and perfect for sharing—make it this week, and you’ll see why I can’t stop raving about it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 1 hour, including prep!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage and creamy cheese is a flavor explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a sight to behold!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily switch sausage for turkey or a plant-based alternative.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 oz medium pasta shells: This shape catches the sauce perfectly, but you can substitute it with ziti or penne if you prefer.
2 teaspoons olive oil: A great base for sautéing; feel free to use your favorite cooking oil.
3 garlic cloves, minced: For that aromatic flavor that enhances every layer.
½ cup shallots, minced: Adds a sweet touch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but onions work too!
12 oz Italian sausage, removed from casing: This adds hearty flavor; you can replace it with ground turkey or a vegetarian option if desired.
28 oz can crushed tomatoes: The foundation of your sauce, providing sweetness and a lovely tomato flavor; use whole tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier sauce.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar: This helps balance the acidity in the tomatoes.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Enhances flavor; feel free to add more for a kick.
Pinch red pepper flakes: A little heat goes a long way—add as much or as little as you like.
¾ cup low-fat (2%) cottage cheese, small curds: Adds creaminess and protein; ricotta could be substituted here for a richer flavor.
6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes: Melts beautifully and gives that stretchy cheese effect.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that golden cheesy topping that everyone loves.
Chopped Italian parsley, for garnish: A fresh finishing touch.

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

Cook pasta: Prepare the 8 oz medium pasta shells al dente according to the package directions. This is important; you don’t want mushy pasta in the oven! Drain and let cool while you make the sauce.

Make sauce: In a medium pot, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and ½ cup of minced shallots, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until softened, stirring often. Toss in the 12 oz of Italian sausage and break it up as it browns. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat for a healthier dish.

Simmer: Add a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 ½ tablespoons of granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for 10-15 minutes. Take a moment to taste, adjusting seasoning if needed. Once done, cool for about 15 minutes to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.

Assemble: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooled sauce, ¾ cup of cottage cheese, and the cubed mozzarella chunks. Toss everything well to ensure the pasta is coated and the flavors mingle beautifully. Transfer this delightful mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake: Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese melts and begins to bubble. For an extra touch, broil it for 30-45 seconds to achieve a beautifully browned top. Allow it to stand for 5-8 minutes before serving; this helps everything set up nicely. Garnish with chopped Italian parsley for a fresh look!

Storing & Reheating

Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours after cooking. For longer storage, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate, where it will last for about 3-5 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes. The texture may soften after freezing, but adding a sprinkle of cheese before reheating can refresh its cheesy goodness!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking your pasta; you want it just slightly underdone since it will cook more in the oven.
If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it—this keeps the pasta from drying out.
Use room temperature cottage cheese; it blends better with the other ingredients, giving a smoother texture.
Feel free to toss in some veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition.
This dish can be made ahead of time; assemble it the day before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

There’s something truly special about a big dish of Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole. Not only does it satisfy cravings for comfort food, but it also serves as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. You can swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you keep it classic or reinvent it with new flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit, making meal times fun and enjoyable. I encourage you to give it a try this week! With this scrumptious recipe, you’ll find yourself making memories around the dinner table.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the Italian sausage with your favorite plant-based ground meat or mushrooms for a delicious and hearty identity of this dish.

How can I make it gluten-free?

To make the recipe gluten-free, swap the medium pasta shells with gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check the sauce ingredients for gluten-containing additives.

Can I add more cheese?

For sure! Feel free to get cheesy with it. You can add more mozzarella, or even try an assortment of cheeses like provolone or parmesan for added flavor.

Why is the dish watery after baking?

If your dish turns out watery, the culprit is often overcooked or under-drained pasta. Make sure to drain well and ensure your cooked pasta is slightly firm before mixing it with the sauce.