Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook penne pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
• In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Sauté onion and garlic until soft and translucent.
3. Brown the Sausage
• Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet.
• Cook until browned, breaking into crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Assemble the Casserole
• In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of pizza sauce.
• Layer half the cooked pasta, half the sausage, half the mozzarella, and half the pepperoni.
• Repeat with remaining ingredients.
5. Bake
• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and pepperoni is slightly crispy.
6. Finish and Serve
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and dried oregano.
• Let cool slightly, slice, and serve.
Optional Add-Ins
✔️ Bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for extra flavor
✔️ Turkey sausage for a lighter version
✔️ Try different cheeses like cheddar or provolone
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook penne pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
• In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Sauté onion and garlic until soft and translucent.
3. Brown the Sausage
• Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet.
• Cook until browned, breaking into crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Assemble the Casserole
• In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of pizza sauce.
• Layer half the cooked pasta, half the sausage, half the mozzarella, and half the pepperoni.
• Repeat with remaining ingredients.
5. Bake
• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and pepperoni is slightly crispy.
6. Finish and Serve
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and dried oregano.
• Let cool slightly, slice, and serve.
Optional Add-Ins
✔️ Bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for extra flavor
✔️ Turkey sausage for a lighter version
✔️ Try different cheeses like cheddar or provolone
