Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic Italian Hot Dish, a baked pasta masterpiece that combines the heartiness of spicy or mild Italian sausage, tender penne, and a rich marinara sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning. This easy-to-make casserole is topped with gooey layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, creating a bubbly, golden crust that’s irresistible. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this one-pan meal is ready in just under an hour and serves as the ultimate family-friendly dinner or potluck favorite. Garnished with fresh basil and paired with garlic bread or a crisp green salad, this Italian-inspired dish will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage and marinara mixture. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the dish, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan over the top. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish the hot dish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy hot with a side of garlic bread or a green salad!
Serving size | 1969.1 grams (1969.1g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2435 |
Total Fat 182.20g | 234% |
Saturated Fat 71.70g | 359% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g | |
Cholesterol 483mg | 161% |
Sodium 8883mg | 386% |
Total Carbohydrate 64.70g | 24% |
Dietary Fiber 16.30g | 58% |
Total Sugars 33.20g | |
Protein 138.90g | 278% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 2400mg | 185% |
Iron 12mg | 65% |
Potassium 2268mg | 48% |
Source of Calories