Description
This Italian Sausage Pasta Bake is a cheesy, hearty dish that combines tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, and layers of gooey cheese. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this crowd-pleaser is easy to make and bursting with classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta Bake:
- 16 ounces (1 pound) short pasta (penne, ziti, or rigatoni)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or spicy)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or tomato-based pasta sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Brown the Sausage
- Remove the sausage from its casings and crumble the meat into a medium nonstick skillet.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fully browned, about 10 minutes.
- Break the sausage into bite-sized pieces while cooking. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Pasta Bake
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned sausage, marinara sauce, and parsley or basil (if using). Stir until everything is well-coated.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the pasta. Add dollops of half the ricotta cheese on top.
- Layer the remaining pasta mixture and repeat with the rest of the cheeses.
Bake the Dish
- Bake the pasta bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- For a crispy, golden topping, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy
- Let the pasta bake cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with extra parsley or basil for added freshness.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Customizations: Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian