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–+ servings
Benjamin

Best Cheesy Italian Pasta Bake

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Brown the Sausage
  1. Remove the sausage from its casings and crumble the meat into a medium nonstick skillet.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fully browned, about 10 minutes.
  3. Break the sausage into bite-sized pieces while cooking. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Pasta Bake
  1. 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.
  2. Spread half of the pasta mixture in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  3. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the pasta. Add dollops of half the ricotta cheese on top.
  4. Layer the remaining pasta mixture and repeat with the rest of the cheeses.
Bake the Dish
  1. Bake the pasta bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  2. For a crispy, golden topping, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Let the pasta bake cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  2. 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.

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