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Baked Penne with Sausage and Cheese

A hearty, cheesy, and flavorful baked pasta dish with layers of tender pasta, savory sausage, and three types of melty cheese.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 -8 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy
  • 1 24-oz jar marinara sauce
  • 1 15-oz container ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook penne 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
  • Cook sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking into small pieces. Add onion and garlic, stirring until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Drain excess grease.
  • Pour in marinara sauce, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Mix cooked pasta with sausage sauce. Stir in ricotta cheese.
  • Spread half the pasta mixture in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella and 1⁄2 cup Parmesan. Repeat with remaining pasta and cheeses.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10-15 more minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.