Italian cuisine has a magical ability to bring people together, especially when it comes to delicious dishes that warm your heart and fill your belly. One such dish is the Italian Sausage Pasta Bake. This comforting casserole combines perfectly cooked pasta, savory Italian sausage, and creamy cheese for a delightful meal that will impress your family and friends.
Why We Love This Italian Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe
There are numerous reasons to fall in love with this Italian Sausage Pasta Bake. First and foremost is its heartiness. The combination of pasta and sausage provides a satisfying meal that is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can use various pasta shapes and even adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Another great aspect is that this dish is straightforward to prepare. It doesn’t require culinary expertise, making it accessible for kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike. Simply follow the steps, and in no time, you’ll have a delicious and visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress.
Additionally, you can easily scale this recipe up or down depending on your needs, making it ideal for both small family dinners and larger gatherings. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just cooking for two, the Italian Sausage Pasta Bake will become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients about Italian Sausage Pasta Bake
To make your Italian Sausage Pasta Bake truly divine, you need the right ingredients. Below, you will find a list of everything you’ll need to create this delicious dish.
- 1 lb short pasta (rigatoni, ziti, penne, rotini, etc.)
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, separated
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for topping)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
How to Make Italian Sausage Pasta Bake Directions
Creating your Italian Sausage Pasta Bake is a joyful and straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way.
Cook the Pasta: Start by filling a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your choice of short pasta to the pot and cook it to just under al dente according to the package instructions. This means cooking the pasta for a minute or two less than the recommended time, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Once done, drain the pasta and drizzle it with a bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking.
Sauté the Onion and Sausage: In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent. Next, add the Italian sausage. Use a spatula to break the sausage into smaller chunks while it cooks. Sauté until the sausage is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage mixture aside.
Mix the Cheese Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lightly beaten egg, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir all the ingredients together until well blended and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sausage: Fold the cooked pasta and the browned sausage into the cheese mixture. Use a rubber spatula to gently mix everything until the pasta and sausage are evenly coated with the cheesy goodness.
Layering the Bake: Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lightly spraying it with oil. Spread about 2 cups of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the pan. Next, pour the pasta and sausage mixture into the pan, ensuring it is distributed evenly. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, followed by a sprinkle of the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake Your Creation: Cover the baking pan with foil and place it in a preheated oven set to 375°F. Bake for approximately 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, and the pasta is bubbling. If you like a golden top, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes until the cheese reaches your desired color.
Finishing Touches: Once baked, allow the dish to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Top with additional chopped basil for a fresh touch and serve while warm.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Pasta Bake
When it comes to serving your Italian Sausage Pasta Bake, the options are plentiful. This dish works wonderfully as a main course, and it pairs perfectly with a side salad. Consider making a simple green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to add freshness and crunch to your meal. A loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread can also enhance the dining experience by providing the perfect vehicle for sopping up any leftover sauce.
You might want to set the table with an Italian-inspired theme, complete with rustic tableware and perhaps a centerpiece of fresh basil to highlight the dish’s flavors. Each serving of this pasta bake will be a generous portion, so don’t hesitate to invite friends and family to dig in.
Expert Tips: Italian Sausage Pasta Bake
To ensure your Italian Sausage Pasta Bake turns out perfect every time, consider these expert tips:
Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your dish will greatly depend on the quality of your ingredients. Opt for fresh Italian sausage and high-quality cheeses to enhance the taste.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember to cook your pasta just under al dente, as it will continue to cook during baking. Undercooked pasta will maintain its texture and not become mushy.
Adjust for Spice: If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding more red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.
Experiment with Cheeses: While ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan are essential, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties, such as provolone or gouda, for a unique twist.
Resting Is Key: Allowing the dish to rest for about 10 minutes after baking will help the layers settle, making it easier to cut and serve.
How to Store Italian Sausage Pasta Bake
Storing leftovers from your Italian Sausage Pasta Bake is easy. Allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Place the pasta bake in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3-5 days.
If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. You can freeze the dish before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly and label it with the date, and it can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 additional minutes to the cooking time.
Variation of Italian Sausage Pasta Bake
One of the best things about the Italian Sausage Pasta Bake is its versatility. Here are some delicious variations you can try:
Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage entirely and add plenty of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. Sauté them in olive oil and mix them into the pasta for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Cheesy Delight: For an extra-cheesy version, mix in different types of cheese like ricotta, mozzarella, cheddar, or fontina to create a melty masterpiece.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the traditional pasta for gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions. Many excellent gluten-free options are available that hold up well in bakes.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary in your recipe to give a new twist to the classic flavors.
FAQ about Italian Sausage Pasta Bake
What is Italian Sausage Pasta Bake?
Italian Sausage Pasta Bake is a comforting casserole made with short pasta, Italian sausage, cheeses, marinara sauce, and seasonings, all baked until bubbly and delicious.
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is flexible, and you can use any type of short pasta such as rigatoni, penne, or ziti, depending on your preference.
How can I make the dish spicier?
To add some heat, you can use spicy Italian sausage or increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe.
Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the Italian Sausage Pasta Bake before or after baking. Just ensure it’s covered well and label it with the date.
How long does it take to bake?
The total baking time is about 30 minutes—20 minutes covered with foil and an additional 10 minutes uncovered to brown the cheese.
Italian Sausage Pasta Bake
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb short pasta (rigatoni, ziti, penne, rotini, etc.)
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage
- 1 small onion diced
- 15 oz. ricotta cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 3½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese separated
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped (plus more for topping)
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the short pasta according to package instructions until just under al dente. Drain and drizzle with olive oil.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces, and cook until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain excess grease.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Mix until creamy.
- Fold the cooked pasta and browned sausage into the cheese mixture until evenly coated.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil. Spread 2 cups of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and top with remaining marinara and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Broil for 2-3 minutes if desired.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Top with additional chopped basil.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!