Welcome back to my kitchen! Today we're making a dish that lives up to its name: Bon Appétit. It's a hearty, cheesy casserole that combines tender pasta, savory sausage, and a rich tomato-cream sauce, all baked until bubbly and golden.
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I first made this for a family gathering, and it disappeared in minutes. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes of hands-on time, and you can use pantry staples to make it your own. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
12 oz (340g) penne pasta
Use any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli. Whole wheat works too – just adjust cooking time.
1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
Mild or spicy, your choice. Turkey sausage is a leaner option.
1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
For browning the sausage. Use any neutral oil if preferred.
1 medium onion, diced
About 1 cup. Sweet onion or shallots also work.
3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh is best, but 1 tsp garlic powder works in a pinch.
1 (28 oz/796ml) can crushed tomatoes
Use fire-roasted for extra flavor. If you only have diced, blend them first.
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
Half-and-half or whole milk will make it lighter – just know it won't be as rich.
1 tsp dried oregano
Italian seasoning works as a substitute.
1/2 tsp salt
Adjust to taste, especially if using regular sausage.
1/4 tsp black pepper
Freshly ground is best.
1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully. Pre-shredded is fine, too.
1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan
Freshly grated is more flavorful, but the canned kind works in a pinch.
Tips & Tricks
Don't overcook the pasta
Cook it 2 minutes less than the package directions – it will finish cooking in the oven.
Use a large skillet
You need room to brown the sausage and simmer the sauce without splattering.
Let it rest
After baking, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes so it sets and doesn't fall apart when serving.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Boil
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate, leaving the drippings.
3. Sauté Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium. Add the onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cream, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The sauce should be slightly thickened.
5. Combine Everything
Return the sausage to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Stir to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
6. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake Until Golden
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown. For a browner top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
8. Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Delicious Variations
Vegetarian
Swap the sausage for 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms and add a can of drained chickpeas.
Spicy
Use hot Italian sausage and add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Add Veggies
Stir in 2 cups of chopped spinach or kale with the sauce and let it wilt.
How to Store Bon Appétit
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sausage is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
Absolutely, ground beef works well. Season it with fennel seeds and red pepper flakes to mimic sausage flavor.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole without baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. The sauce won't be as rich but will still be delicious.
I hope you enjoy this Bon Appétit casserole as much as my family does! If you try it, let me know in the comments – I'd love to hear how it turned out. Happy cooking!
Bon Appétit
Bon Appétit casserole is a creamy, cheesy one-dish dinner that's ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
🧂 Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz/796ml) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan
📋 Instructions
- 1Preheat and Boil — Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 2Brown the Sausage — Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate, leaving the drippings.
- 3Sauté Aromatics — Reduce heat to medium. Add the onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- 4Make the Sauce — Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cream, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The sauce should be slightly thickened.
- 5Combine Everything — Return the sausage to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Stir to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- 6Top with Cheese — Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top of the casserole.
- 7Bake Until Golden — Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown. For a browner top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
- 8Rest and Serve — Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Maya writes about sustainable living and urban gardening, focusing on practical tips for small spaces. She experiments with DIY projects and shares what works in her own apartment.
