Name: My Mom’s 4-Ingredient Penne and Smoked Sausage Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound uncooked penne pasta; 1 (32-ounce) jar marinara sauce; 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced; 8 ounces (about 2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese

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This hearty, cheesy penne and smoked sausage casserole is the kind of recipe I grew up on. It’s simple, satisfying, and requires just four ingredients. My mom made this regularly when I was a kid, and even though she wasn’t the most confident cook, this dish was always a win. Smoky sausage, gooey cheese, rich marinara, and pasta come together in one dish that’s comforting, filling, and unbelievably easy.

My Mom’s 4-Ingredient Penne and Smoked Sausage Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like that this casserole takes very little effort to prepare, but it still tastes like a full, hearty meal. It’s ideal when I want to feed a crowd or batch cook something that will keep us going all week. I also love how flexible the recipe is—there are so many ways to swap in different sauces, sausages, and cheeses to keep it interesting. Plus, it’s all baked in one dish, which means fewer dishes to clean.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound uncooked penne pasta
1 (32-ounce) jar marinara sauce
12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
8 ounces (about 2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F.
In a large bowl, I mix the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, and sliced smoked sausage until everything is well combined.
I pour the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
I sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, making sure it’s fully covered.
I bake it in the oven for about 25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
I let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the pasta finish cooking to al dente perfection.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 servings, which is perfect for a big family dinner or meal prepping for the week. The total time to prepare and cook this casserole is about 35 minutes—10 minutes for prep and 25 minutes to bake.

Variations

I like switching up the ingredients depending on what I have on hand. Sometimes I use spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of marinara for extra heat. If I want something smokier, I go with Cajun-style sausage. I’ve also tried using provolone, fontina, or even Parmesan instead of mozzarella. For a veggie-packed version, I toss in some frozen spinach or sautéed bell peppers.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for up to 1 week. When I’m ready to reheat, I either pop a serving in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven until it’s heated through. The cheese melts beautifully again, and it still tastes great days later.

FAQs

How do I keep the pasta from being undercooked?

Letting the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking finishes cooking the pasta. But if I want softer pasta, I par-boil it for about five minutes before mixing it into the casserole.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, I can assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze it before baking. When ready to eat, I bake it straight from frozen at 375°F for about 45–50 minutes, covered with foil.

What’s the best sausage to use?

I usually go for a classic smoked sausage, but I’ve tried Cajun and hot smoked versions too. Anything with good flavor works great.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often mix everything and refrigerate the unbaked casserole for up to 24 hours. When it’s time to eat, I bake it as usual, just adding 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes, I like tossing in spinach, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers. Just sauté them a bit before mixing them in so they don’t release too much liquid while baking.

Conclusion

This 4-ingredient penne and smoked sausage casserole is a go-to for easy, budget-friendly dinners. It’s one of those meals I turn to when I want something comforting that doesn’t take a lot of work. Whether I’m feeding my family or prepping lunches for the week, this dish always hits the spot—and it couldn’t be simpler to make.