Description
This No Boil Penne Pasta Bake is an easy and comforting casserole loaded with sausage, ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. It requires no pre-cooking of the pasta, making it a convenient weeknight dinner option with a cheesy, baked finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Sauce
- 1 lb sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (26-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1½ cups water
Cheeses and Pasta
- 1 (15-oz) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 oz uncooked penne pasta
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and lightly grease a 9x13x2-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the bake from being greasy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the spaghetti sauce, water, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, cooked sausage, parmesan cheese, and uncooked penne pasta. Stir well until the pasta is evenly coated and everything is well mixed.
- Assemble Bake: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake Covered: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 55 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook in the sauce and the flavors to meld together.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for sausage for a lighter option.
- Adding Italian seasoning or fresh basil can enhance the flavor.
- If you prefer spicier dishes, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Use gluten-free penne pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
