Description
This baked penne features Italian sausage, mozzarella, and a tangy tomato sauce, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights. With simple prep and delicious flavors, it’s ideal for those craving comfort food without the fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 2 teaspoon olive oil, or cooking oil of choice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup shallots, (or onions) 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, (or more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
- pinch red pepper flakes, optional
- ¾ cup low fat (2%) cottage cheese, small curds
- 6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- chopped italian parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells until al dente according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and let cool.
- In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and shallots, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened. Next, add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces and draining any excess fat.
- Incorporate crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, granulated sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then allow the mixture to cool for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sauce, cottage cheese, and mozzarella cubes. Toss everything well before transferring to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Broil for 30-45 seconds to achieve a golden brown top, then let the dish stand for 5-8 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
Feel free to swap cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked later for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg