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; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup shallots, 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; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; pinch red pepper flakes, optional; ¾ cup low fat cottage cheese; 6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; chopped italian parsley, for garnish

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Cheesy Baked Pasta with Italian sausage is one of those comforting dishes that pulls you in and wraps you in a warm, cheesy embrace. Imagine a bubbling casserole, rich with savory Italian sausage and covered in layers of melty mozzarella cheese. The contrasts of textures—from the al dente pasta shells to the creamy cottage cheese—create a delightful experience with every forkful. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel at home, and brings everyone to the table, ready for seconds (or thirds!).

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 stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly evening when I found myself craving something hearty yet simple to prepare. The combination of creamy cottage cheese, robust sausage, and rich tomato sauce is undeniably satisfying. And the best part? You can whip this up in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering. Trust me, once you try this cheesy oven-baked pasta casserole, it will become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This baked penne comes together in just 65 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for weeknight meals.
Irresistible Flavor: The savory Italian sausage and a hint of sweetness from the sugar create a delightful balance in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Topped with bubbling mozzarella, it’s sure to impress family and friends at any dinner table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep for the week ahead, it fits any occasion effortlessly.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to substitute with turkey sausage or a meat alternative to suit various diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 oz medium pasta shells: These provide the perfect shape to hold all that delicious sauce and cheese. Feel free to substitute with penne or rigatoni if needed.
2 teaspoons olive oil: Used to sauté the aromatics, olive oil adds a lovely rich flavor. Can be substituted with any cooking oil you have on hand.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth and a slight zing.
½ cup shallots, minced: Shallots give a milder sweetness compared to regular onions. Yellow or red onions can be used in their place.
12 oz Italian sausage: The star protein that infuses the dish with incredible flavor. You can use spicy or sweet sausage, depending on your preference, or even swap for a plant-based version.
28 oz can crushed tomatoes: Creates a rich, tomato-based sauce. Avoid tomato sauce as it lacks the chunkiness needed here.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds depth and intensity to the sauce.
1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar: A pinch of sweet balances out the acidity in the tomatoes.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing flavors. Adjust to taste!
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground pepper gives a nice bite.
Pinch red pepper flakes, optional: For those who love a bit of heat!
¾ cup low-fat (2%) cottage cheese, small curds: Adds creaminess without being overly heavy.
6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes: Melts beautifully and adds stretch.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: More topping? Yes, please!
Chopped Italian parsley, for garnish: A fresh finishing touch that brightens up the dish.

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

Cook pasta: Prepare 8 oz medium pasta shells according to package directions, cooking until al dente. Drain the pasta and give it time to cool while you whip up the rest of the dish.

Make sauce: In a medium pot, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and shallots, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Toss in the 12 oz Italian sausage, breaking it up and cooking until browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat for a cleaner sauce.

Simmer: Add a 28 oz can of 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 if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Let the sauce cool for about 15 minutes; this helps marry all the flavors.

Assemble: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, the cooled sauce, ¾ cup low-fat cottage cheese, and mozzarella cubes. Toss everything together until well mixed and then transfer it to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Finally, sprinkle on 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese before it goes in the oven.

Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and let it bake for 20 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a nice golden top, broil for an additional 30-45 seconds. Just keep an eye on it! Let it stand for 5-8 minutes before serving and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Storing & Reheating

To store, cover any leftovers and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For maximum freshness, use an airtight container. If you want to save it for later, freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Keep in mind the texture may change slightly; simply mix in a splash of water or sauce to refresh the flavors.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the pasta. It should be a little firm since it will further cook while baking.
Let your sauce cool for too long? No worries; just stir it again and reassess before mixing.
To add a little crunch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Want a different flavor profile? Swap Italian sausage for ground beef or turkey for a fun twist.
Make it ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply extend the time by a few minutes.

Cheesy Baked Pasta hits all the right notes—comforting, delicious, and oh so satisfying. You can truly make this dish your own, whether by altering ingredients or experimenting with toppings. Don’t hesitate to play with flavors or add your favorite veggies. There’s just something magical about combining pasta, cheese, and a rich sauce that makes this casserole unforgettable.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe works great with penne, rotini, or even fusilli. Just ensure to adjust cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the Italian sausage with a meat alternative or mushrooms for a hearty, veggie-filled version without losing flavor.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

To maintain moisture, add a small splash of water or extra sauce to your dish before reheating. Covering with foil while heating can help lock in steam.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Of course! Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added conveniently into the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor. Just sauté them along with the garlic and shallots to ensure they’re tender!