Baked Penne And Sausage, Zucchini And Fontina
A creamy baked penne dish with sausage, zucchini, and Fontina cheese, offering rich flavors and comforting textures, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a frypan, sauté chopped onion until transparent.
- Add Italian sausage, stirring until browned.
- Add sliced zucchini and cook until softened.
- Stir in whipping cream, grated Fontina cheese, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Meanwhile, boil penne pasta until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the cream mixture.
- Fold together to combine, then pour into a buttered greased casserole dish.
- Bake until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dish, consider substituting half-and-half for the whipping cream. If you can't find Fontina cheese, Gruyère or a mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan can work well too. To add more flavor, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of nutmeg. Ensure the zucchini is sliced evenly for consistent cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this baked penne dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Karen's Crock-Pot Surprise or a side of roasted vegetables for added nutrition. A light red wine or sparkling water complements the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the pasta.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Penne And Sausage, Zucchini And Fontina contains roughly 2515 calories, with 56g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 202g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (183% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1623mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage is a great substitute for a healthier option. It will still provide the necessary flavor, though you may want to add extra spices to match the robust flavor of pork sausage.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this baked penne dish gluten-free, simply substitute the penne with a gluten-free pasta variety. Check that the sausage and cheese are also gluten-free, as some processed products may contain gluten.
What can I do if my dish becomes too dry after baking?
If your baked penne turns out dry, consider adding more cream or a splash of broth before baking. You can also cover the dish with foil during baking to retain moisture, then remove it in the last 10 minutes for a golden top.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).