Baked Penne Smoked Sausage

Savor the comforting flavors of this Baked Penne with Smoked Sausage, a hearty dish that combines tender penne pasta, savory smoked sausage, and a rich, creamy marinara sauce. Infused with garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, and a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, this casserole is topped with a decadent layer of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. The dish bakes to perfection, creating a golden, cheesy crust that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this one-pan wonder is quick to prepare and makes enough to serve a hungry crowd. Garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, this easy baked pasta recipe is destined to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 12 oz smoked sausage
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 cups, shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups, shredded parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp (or to taste) salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring frequently.

Step 5

Add the marinara sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir until all ingredients are combined, and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 6

Add the cooked penne pasta and smoked sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to evenly coat the pasta and sausage in the sauce.

Step 7

Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese on top.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Step 10

Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Baked Penne with Smoked Sausage!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2031.3 grams (2031.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4425

Total Fat 274.10g	351%
Saturated Fat 119.80g	599%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.30g
Cholesterol 670mg	223%
Sodium 8936mg	389%
Total Carbohydrate 302.00g	110%
Dietary Fiber 20.80g	74%
Total Sugars 25.90g
Protein 167.00g	334%

Vitamin D 36IU	181%
Calcium 2206mg	170%
Iron 21mg	118%
Potassium 1862mg	40%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.8%

Protein: 15.4%

Carbs: 27.8%