There’s a certain joy that comes from the sound of bubbling cheese and sizzling sausage, filling the kitchen with irresistible aromas. Picture this: after a long day, you’re craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, but you dread the thought of loading everyone into the car for fast food. That’s when my Skillet Pizza Penne comes to the rescue!
This dish combines the nostalgic flavors of pizza with the heartiness of a pasta bake, all made in one skillet for minimal cleanup. With the perfect balance of savory Italian sausage, gooey mozzarella, and a zesty marinara sauce, it’s bound to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, the versatility of this recipe means you can switch up the toppings based on what you have on hand – pepperoni, veggies, or even your favorite pantry staples.
Join me as we create a masterpiece that’s not only easy to whip up but also a delightful crowd-pleaser at any dinner table!
Why is Skillet Pizza Penne a must-try?
Simplicity First: With just one skillet, you’ll save time on cleanup without sacrificing flavor.
Flavor Explosion: The blend of Italian sausage, gooey cheese, and zesty marinara creates an irresistible dish that’s rich and satisfying.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s a meal that everyone—kids and adults alike—will love.
Versatile Dish: You can easily customize the toppings based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry, keeping mealtime exciting.
Quick & Easy: Cooked in just 35 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknights without compromising on quality.
Make sure to also check out more delicious pasta recipes to satisfy your cravings!
Skillet Pizza Penne Ingredients
• Get ready to create a comforting dish!
For the Sausage & Base
- Olive oil – adds richness and flavor while cooking.
- Ground Italian sausage – use either mild or spicy for a flavor boost.
- Diced yellow onion – provides sweetness and depth to the base.
- Minced garlic – adds an aromatic kick that enhances the dish.
- Dried oregano – infuses a classic Italian flavor to the sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – gives it a little heat, perfect for pizza lovers.
- Kosher salt – enhances all flavors, making every bite delicious.
For the Pasta and Sauce
- Jarred marinara – a quick, convenient option that saves time.
- Low-sodium beef broth – adds richness to the sauce without excess salt.
- Dried gluten-free penne pasta – a hearty choice to soak up all the flavors.
For the Toppings
- Shredded parmesan – adds sharp, nutty flavor and a lovely golden crust.
- Fresh mozzarella – melts beautifully, creating that gooey delight in every bite.
- Pepperoni – classic pizza topping that adds a savory crunch.
- Chopped fresh Italian parsley – for a pop of freshness and color!
This Skillet Pizza Penne is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings joy and comfort right to your dinner table. Enjoy every delicious morsel!
How to Make Skillet Pizza Penne
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Preheat the oven to 375°F. This initial step is crucial to ensure that your pasta bake cooks evenly and gets that nice bubbly cheese on top!
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Sauté the sausage in a 10-inch oven-safe skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate using a slotted spoon.
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Cook the onions in the residual grease and oil until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Combine the sausage back into the skillet. Pour in the marinara sauce, beef broth, and dried penne pasta. Stir well, then add ½ cup of shredded parmesan and mix until everything is coated. Remove from heat.
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Top with torn pieces of fresh mozzarella, remaining shredded parmesan, and pepperoni slices. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and bake for 20 minutes.
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Uncover and bake for another 15 minutes until the pepperoni is crisp and the mozzarella is deliciously bubbly. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Optional: Serve with a side salad for a delightful balance!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Skillet Pizza Penne are perfect for busy weeknights! You can prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps—cook the sausage, sauté the onions, and mix in the marinara, beef broth, and pasta. Once combined, let it cool completely before covering it tightly and refrigerating. To maintain quality, don’t add the toppings until you’re ready to bake; this prevents the cheese from becoming too soggy. When it’s time to serve, simply add the mozzarella, parmesan, and pepperoni, then bake as instructed. You’ll enjoy a hearty, stress-free meal with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Italian Sausage Pasta Bake?
Creating a meal that warms the heart and excites the taste buds is as easy as pairing it with the right sides!
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Garlic Bread:
This classic addition, with its crusty exterior and buttery, garlic-infused center, perfectly complements the saucy pasta and adds a satisfying crunch. -
Caesar Salad:
A fresh Caesar salad, with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons, provides a vibrant contrast to the rich flavors of the bake. -
Roasted Vegetables:
Seasonal roasted veggies add a touch of caramelized sweetness and vibrant colors, balancing the hearty pasta dish beautifully. -
Steamed Broccoli:
Lightly steamed with a hint of lemon, this veggie offers a crisp bite and brightens up the overall flavor profile of your meal. -
Red Wine:
A glass of medium-bodied red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, enhances the savory notes of the sausage and marinara, creating a comforting dining experience. -
Tiramisu:
End your meal on a sweet note with this creamy coffee-flavored dessert, providing a luscious finish after the savory main course. -
Italian Antipasto Platter:
A mix of olives, cheeses, and cured meats serves as an excellent appetizer, setting the stage for the delightful pasta dish to follow.
How to Store and Freeze Skillet Pizza Penne
Fridge: Store leftover Skillet Pizza Penne in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps preserve its cheesy texture and delicious flavors.
Freezer: You can freeze portions of the baked penne for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool it completely, then wrap tightly with foil or store in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. You can add a little extra cheese on top for a delightful melty finish!
Expert Tips for Skillet Pizza Penne
- Perfect Pasta: Cooking the gluten-free penne al dente helps prevent it from becoming mushy during baking. Always follow package instructions!
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to swap out the Italian sausage for ground turkey or vegetarian options—your Skillet Pizza Penne can be as versatile as you like!
- Cheese Blend: Combine mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone or fontina for extra flavor and creaminess in your dish.
- Keep It Fresh: Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish! It adds a beautiful pop of color and a touch of brightness to your Skillet Pizza Penne.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid a dry texture; the final goal is bubbly, cheesy goodness, not a tough crust!
Skillet Pizza Penne Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this dish and make it truly your own!
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Meat-Free: Substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or crumbled Beyond Meat for a satisfying vegan option. The flavors remain robust and full, perfect for everyone at the table.
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Veggie-Packed: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach when sautéing the onions for an extra boost of nutrition and color. The added vegetables will not only enhance flavor but also provide a beautiful rainbow of veggies in your dish.
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Gluten-Free: While the recipe already includes gluten-free pasta, you can swap in chickpea or lentil pasta for an even heartier meal, offering more protein and fiber. It’s a fantastic choice to keep everyone feeling full and satisfied!
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Spicy Kick: Toss in some jalapeño slices or sprinkle additional crushed red pepper flakes to amp up the heat. This is perfect for those who love a bit of fire in their food!
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Creamy Twist: Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or a splash of heavy cream right before baking for a creamier sauce that melts beautifully into the pasta. Your taste buds will thank you for that dreamy richness.
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Cheese Lovers: Mix in different cheese varieties like gouda or cheddar alongside the mozzarella for a decadent cheese layer. The combination will create incredibly rich flavors that anyone would crave.
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Pasta Alternate: Swap out the penne for ziti or fusilli for a textural change. Each type of pasta brings its own unique flair, which can make the dish feel refreshingly new each time!
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano as a garnish after baking to elevate the dish with fragrant, fresh flavors that brighten the overall taste. They add a wonderful aroma that’ll make your kitchen feel like an Italian trattoria.
Skillet Pizza Penne Recipe FAQs
What type of sausage should I use for Skillet Pizza Penne?
Absolutely! You can choose between mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your family’s taste preferences. If you’re serving kids or those who prefer milder dishes, the mild sausage is a great choice, while spicy sausage adds a delicious kick for those who enjoy heat.
How should I store leftover Skillet Pizza Penne?
Store your leftover Skillet Pizza Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to maintain its rich, cheesy goodness. When ready to reheat, you can pop it back in the oven to bring that bubbly texture back to life!
Can I freeze Skillet Pizza Penne?
Definitely! To freeze, let the baked penne cool down completely. Then, wrap individual portions tightly in aluminum foil or place them in freezer-safe containers. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a portion, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
What do I do if my pasta is overcooked?
If you find your pasta is a bit mushy after baking, don’t worry! This can happen sometimes, especially with gluten-free varieties. For next time, try cooking the penne just to aldente before baking. This way, it retains enough firmness to hold up during the baking process, creating a better overall texture.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes! If you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, you can easily swap the gluten-free penne with regular pasta; just keep in mind the cooking time will differ. Additionally, feel free to use plant-based sausage substitutes to make it vegetarian-friendly. Always check for allergens like cheese for those lactose intolerant in your group.
How can I customize Skillet Pizza Penne toppings?
The more the merrier! You can easily switch up your toppings based on what you have on hand. For a veggie twist, consider adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. If pepperoni isn’t your style, turkey pepperoni or even a sprinkle of olives can add different flavor profiles while still keeping it delicious and satisfying!
Skillet Pizza Penne: Your Easy, Cheesy Dinner Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Sauté the sausage in the skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook the onions in the residual grease until translucent, about 5 minutes, then stir in garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Combine the sausage back into the skillet. Pour in marinara sauce, beef broth, and penne pasta, stirring well. Add 1/2 cup parmesan.
- Top with fresh mozzarella, remaining parmesan, and pepperoni. Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.