Italian Sausage Penne

A sheet-pan dinner meets cozy pasta night

This is one of those recipes I just… made up. It might exist somewhere out in the world, but I didn’t know about it. So at our house, it’s simply Italian Sausage Penne.

It’s easy, comforting, and one of my favorite kinds of dinners. Most of the cooking happens on a sheet pan, which means less cleanup and more time to sit down with a glass of wine 🍷.

This is the kind of meal that feels like you cooked, but didn’t overthink.

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup olive oil (I use Graza)

• Italian seasoning

  I use a gourmet pasta herb blend. About ⅛ cup, give or take. Measure with your heart.

• 6–8 cloves garlic, minced (I use this garlic press)

• 2 packages sweet Italian sausage links

  Mild or hot works too… we just prefer sweet.

• 2 red bell peppers, sliced

• 1 (16 oz) bag penne pasta

• 1 package baby Bella mushrooms, sliced

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

  
  

How I Make It

1. Prep the olive oil mixture

In a small bowl or measuring cup combine the olive oil, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Let it sit and infuse while everything else cooks. This step is simple, but it makes a big difference in flavor.

2. Roast the sausage and peppers

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper (easy cleanup).

• Place sausage links on one side of the pan

• Place sliced red peppers on the other side

  
  

Roast for about 20 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through.

3. Add the mushrooms

During the last 10 minutes, scatter the sliced mushrooms onto the same sheet pan.

Let them roast alongside everything else. One pan. No extra dishes.

4. Cook the pasta

While the sausage roasts, cook the penne in well-salted boiling water according to package directions. Before draining, reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water.

5. Finish the olive oil sauce

Stir the reserved pasta water into the olive oil and herb mixture.

Let it sit for a minute. It turns into a light sauce that coats everything perfectly.

6. Add the cheese

Sprinkle in 1 cup Parmesan cheese and toss again until everything looks glossy and coated.

To Serve

Serve warm in bowls and finish with extra Parmesan.

Simple. Cozy. And honestly… no leftovers guaranteed.

Kitchen Notes

• This is one of my favorite dinners to make on busy nights

• I always use the same sheet pan and olive oil

• If you’re curious, I’ve linked the exact products I use above

This post may contain affiliate links. I only share products I actually use and love.