Description
This Baked Penne is a delightful mix of pasta, Italian sausage, and gooey cheese, perfect for a satisfying dinner or casual gathering. Its rich flavors and simple preparation make it an instant favorite for pasta lovers!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup shallots, minced
- 12 oz italian sausage, removed from casing
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- pinch red pepper flakes, optional
- ¾ cup low fat (2%) cottage cheese
- 6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- chopped italian parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and allow to cool.
- In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and shallots, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the Italian sausage and brown it, breaking it into small pieces. Drain the excess fat from the pot.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste and let cool for about 15 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sauce, cottage cheese, and mozzarella cubes. Mix well and transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Broil for an additional 30-45 seconds to brown the top. Allow to stand for 5-8 minutes before serving, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Feel free to substitute any preferred pasta for pasta shells.
Adjust seasonings to your taste, especially the spices.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg