If you're searching for a comforting meal that brings the essence of Italian cuisine right to your dinner table, look no further than this delightful Pasta and Sausage Bake! Imagine layers of perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich marinara sauce, combined with savory Italian sausage and topped with bubbling, golden cheese. This dish not only serves up to six hearty portions but also comes together in just one hour, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare? Let’s dive into the recipe that will make your taste buds dance!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta (penne or rigatoni) according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink, about 7-9 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the sausage, then return the skillet to the stove. Add the marinara sauce to the cooked sausage and stir to combine, simmering for 2-3 minutes.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and sausage-marinara mixture. Gently toss to ensure even distribution.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta. Then dust with grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors are well balanced.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While penne and rigatoni are excellent choices for this bake, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as fusilli or ziti.
- Brown the Sausage Well: For maximum flavor, make sure to brown the Italian sausage thoroughly. This not only adds depth to the dish but also enhances the overall taste.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
- Customize Your Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, consider adding other cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique twist.
- Add Veggies for Extra Nutrition: Sneak in some sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the sausage mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Just assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional grated Parmesan on top before serving can elevate the dish's visual appeal and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 544kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg
