If you're searching for a cozy, comforting dish that brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen, look no further than this delectable Italian Sausage Spaghetti Bake! This mouthwatering recipe combines perfectly cooked spaghetti with savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and a melty cheese topping that will have your family begging for seconds. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a meal that’s not only satisfying but also perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked sausage using a colander. Return sausage to the skillet.
- Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the sausage. Stir to combine and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked spaghetti and sausage-marinara mixture. Gently toss to ensure even distribution.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Sausage: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality Italian sausage. You can use sweet or spicy sausage depending on your preference.
- Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Since the spaghetti will continue to cook in the oven, be sure to cook it al dente according to package instructions. This will help maintain the perfect texture.
- Add Veggies: For an extra nutritional boost, consider adding sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the sausage mixture.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Try adding provolone or ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t forget to garnish your baked spaghetti with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 658kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 95mg
