Chipotle Cheese Italian Sausage Penne Bake

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chipotle chili in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 green onions, sliced

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 large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned; drain if necessary.
4. 4 Stir in diced tomatoes, evaporated milk, chipotle chili, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. 5 Combine cooked penne and sausage mixture in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. 6 Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. 7 Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
8. 8 Garnish with green onions before serving.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9x13 inch baking dish

Variations

• Substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Add a layer of sautéed spinach for extra greens.

Substitutions

• If you can't find chipotle chili in adobo sauce, use 1/2 tsp smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne pepper instead.

Pairings

• Garlic bread
• Steamed broccoli

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra spice, add more chipotle chili to taste.
• This bake can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered at 350°F for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple green salad.
• Pairs well with garlic bread on the side.

FAQ