Cheesy Sausage Penne Recipe
If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that combines rich flavors with gooey, melty cheese, this Cheesy Sausage Penne Recipe is going to become your new favorite. The perfect blend of spicy Italian sausage, creamy cheese, and tender penne pasta comes together in a baked dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck favorite, this recipe promises layers of flavor and texture that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Let me show you how to bring this irresistible meal to your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Cheesy Sausage Penne Recipe are wonderfully simple but each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness. From the flavorful Italian sausage to the blend of cream cheese and sour cream, every item enhances the dish’s texture and taste in its own wonderful way.
- 1 pound bulk Italian sausage: Adds a spicy, savory foundation packed with flavor and a meaty richness.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Provides a fragrant bite that complements the sausage beautifully.
- 1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce: Brings a tangy, tomato-based moisture that ties everything together.
- 1 package (16 ounces) uncooked penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy and meaty sauce in every bite.
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened: Adds a luscious, velvety texture that deepens the creaminess of the dish.
- 1 cup sour cream: Introduces a slight tanginess that balances the richness and adds silkiness.
- 4 green onions, sliced: Offers a fresh, mild crunch with subtle sharpness amidst the creamy layers.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers that iconic cheesy topping that melts to golden perfection, creating irresistible gooeyness.
How to Make Cheesy Sausage Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Make the Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and ready. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bulk Italian sausage until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks so it browns evenly. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute longer, letting that lovely aroma fill your kitchen. Drain any excess fat before stirring in the jar of spaghetti sauce. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer covered for about 20 minutes. This step is where the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich, meaty sauce that will make your penne sing.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta and Creamy Mixture
While your sausage sauce simmers, boil the penne pasta following the package directions until al dente. Drain it well, so it doesn’t turn too soggy later. In a small bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onions. This mixture is the secret weapon that adds layers of creamy texture and a slight tang, perfectly complementing the savory sausage sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Grab a greased shallow 3-quart baking dish. Begin by layering half of the cooked penne pasta and then spread half of the sausage sauce on top. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the sausage layer, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, sausage, cream cheese mixture, and finish with the rest of the cheddar cheese. This layering ensures you get a perfect bite of every element in every forkful.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Place the assembled dish into your preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You are looking for the cheese on top to melt fully and bubble with some golden edges, signaling that this cheesy sausage penne is ready to warm your soul. Let it cool just slightly before serving so the layers set just right.
How to Serve Cheesy Sausage Penne Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up this rich and creamy Cheesy Sausage Penne Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper also adds a nice contrast, and some extra green onions can give a fresh crunch that balances the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a lovely fresh component as well. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette completes the meal perfectly, providing a vehicle for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Cheesy Sausage Penne Recipe in individual ramekins to impress guests with personalized portions. You could also try layering it in a clear glass baking dish so everyone can see the beautiful layers of pasta, sausage, and cheese before baking. For a twist, garnish with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy oil for added heat and a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Cheesy Sausage Penne Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect next-day meal that reheats beautifully without losing any of its cheesy charm.
Freezing
If you’d like to prepare this dish ahead of time or save some for later, you can freeze it. Assemble the recipe but do not bake. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. This way, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
To reheat your Cheesy Sausage Penne Recipe, pop it into a 350-degree oven until warmed through and bubbling again, about 20 minutes. If reheating smaller portions, the microwave works well too—just cover with a microwave-safe lid and heat in short bursts, stirring in between for even warmth and to keep that cheesy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage offers great flavor, you can substitute with spicy chorizo, sweet sausage, or even turkey sausage for a leaner option. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the sausage is fully cooked.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Use a plant-based sausage substitute or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers in place of the meat. The combination of cheeses and sauce still makes it wonderfully hearty and satisfying.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free penne pasta and double-check that your spaghetti sauce and sausage are gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work perfectly here without compromising on flavor.
What kind of cheddar cheese works best?
A sharp cheddar adds a wonderful tang and depth of flavor, but you can also use mild cheddar if you prefer a creamier, more subtle cheese taste. Blending cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella can give a different, melty texture and mild flavor.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust it?
The heat primarily depends on the type of Italian sausage you choose. For a milder dish, use sweet Italian sausage. If you love spice, go for hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Sausage Penne Recipe is pure comfort food magic—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor in every bite. It’s a meal that satisfies all at once and feels like a special treat any day of the week. I encourage you to dive into making this at home and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite. Trust me, once you’ve tried this, it will keep popping up at your dinner table over and over again!
Print
Cheesy Sausage Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Sausage Penne is a hearty and comforting baked pasta dish featuring savory Italian sausage, creamy layers of cream cheese and sour cream, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. This flavorful recipe combines tender penne pasta with a rich spaghetti sauce infused with garlic, baked to bubbly perfection, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce
Pasta
- 1 package (16 ounces) uncooked penne pasta
Creamy Mixture
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 green onions, sliced
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the sausage and prepare sauce: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain excess fat. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes to develop flavors.
- Cook pasta and mix cream cheese filling: Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onions until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a shallow 3-quart baking dish. Layer half of the cooked pasta in the dish, followed by half of the sausage and sauce mixture. Spoon dollops of half the cream cheese mixture over the layers, and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers once more, finishing with cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake the casserole: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti for similar texture.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- To reduce fat, choose lower-fat cream cheese and sour cream versions.
- Freshly chopped parsley can be added on top for garnish and added freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
