Cheesy Sausage Penne is a rich and comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you’re craving something indulgent. This recipe features al dente penne pasta tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce, with slices of savory sausage adding a hearty and flavorful kick. The combination of gooey melted cheese, flavorful sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, Cheesy Sausage Penne is the perfect choice for a comforting meal that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce:
- Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet, followed by the heavy cream. Stir to combine.
- Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Combine the Pasta and Sausage:
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to coat it with the sauce.
- Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve the Cheesy Sausage Penne hot.
Enjoy your Cheesy Sausage Penne, a deliciously rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion, bringing together the comforting flavors of cheese, sausage, and pasta in every bite!
