Ingredients for Baked Sausage Penne
- 1 pound Italian sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey)
- 1 pound Penne pasta
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
- Pesto Sauce
- Italian Seasoning
- Chili Flakes
- Salt And Pepper
- Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Baked Sausage Penne
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown 1 lb Italian sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey) over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara sauce (or your homemade equivalent) and 1/2 cup pesto (homemade or jarred) to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage sauce mixture, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional). Mix well.
- Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra basil, if desired.
Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor
Small additions can make a big impact! Try a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of your favorite spice blend, or a squeeze of citrus just before serving to really enhance the flavors of your dish.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
76 g
Sugar
49g
Fat
74g
Carbs
22g