Alfredo Italian Sausage Penne Bake

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 12 oz Italian sausage
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan for topping
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt to taste
• Optional: 2 tbsp breadcrumbs

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. 3 In a skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
4. 4 In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. 5 Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the saucepan; simmer until thickened.
6. 6 Combine cooked penne, sausage, and alfredo sauce in a baking dish.
7. 7 Top with mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan.
8. 8 Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crispy layer.
9. 9 Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
10. 10 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Baking dish
• Saucepan

Variations

• Add roasted bell peppers for a colorful twist.
• Substitute chicken sausage for a leaner option.

Substitutions

• Use milk and flour to make a béchamel if avoiding dairy.
• Substitute ground turkey for Italian sausage if preferred.

Pairings

• Steamed broccoli
• Garlic knots

Nutrition

Tips

• For a richer flavor, toast breadcrumbs in olive oil before sprinkling.
• Feel free to add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp Caesar salad.
• Pair with garlic bread for a hearty meal.

FAQ