Easy Penne
A hearty and flavorful penne pasta dish featuring savory Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and aromatic garlic and onion, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot.
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, approximately 12 to 15 minutes.
- While the pasta is boiling, in a large skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned and done.
- Remove any fat drippings from the skillet and discard.
- Add tomato paste and Italian-style chunky sauce to the sausage mixture and stir to combine.
- Lower the heat and simmer the sauce for 7 to 10 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta and rinse in cold water.
- Toss the drained pasta with the sauce mixture until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese, alongside Italian bread. Enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier dish, consider using hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option. Fresh garlic can be used instead of minced, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat. If you're short on time, pre-chopped onions and jarred minced garlic can save prep time. This dish can also be adapted with other pasta shapes; try using rigatoni or farfalle.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Easy Penne hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad pairs beautifully with this dish. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Italian Sausage Casserole for a hearty feast. This recipe also makes a great potluck dish or weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the pasta and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Penne contains roughly 473 calories, with 22g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 760mg per serving (33% 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 a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute penne with other pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose, as different shapes may require different boiling times.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the Italian sausage and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative. You can also add more vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
What can I do with leftovers of this dish?
Leftover Easy Penne can be transformed into a baked pasta dish. Simply place the pasta in a baking dish, top with additional cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly. You can also mix it into a frittata for a delicious breakfast option.
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).