Irresistible Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe For Families

Bubbling with rich, comforting flavors, this cheesy Italian sausage pasta bake recipe promises a hearty meal that transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Savory Italian sausage mingles with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of taste in every bite.

Melted cheese blankets the dish, adding a golden, irresistible layer of indulgence.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of spices, tender meat, and creamy texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The recipe comes together effortlessly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Warm, satisfying, and packed with bold Italian-inspired flavors, this pasta bake will quickly become a go-to comfort food that feeds hungry appetites and warms the soul.

Get ready to dive into a delicious culinary experience that celebrates simple, robust ingredients.

Best Ways to Plate Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and bright, fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Pair with Crisp Salad: Serve alongside a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy pasta bake and add some refreshing crunch.
• Add Garlic Bread on the Side: Complement the meal with warm, buttery garlic bread that's perfect for soaking up the delicious marinara sauce and added cheesy goodness.
• Enhance with Red Wine: Pour a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to match the hearty Italian flavors of the sausage and tomato sauce.

Keep It Fresh: Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake Storage Tips

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover pasta bake in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping flavors fresh and ingredients protected from moisture.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the dish tightly in freezer-safe packaging, lasting up to 3 months for a quick and delicious emergency dinner option.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or restore crispy edges by baking in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking, covering and refrigerating to save time on busy weeknight dinners.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 475 kcal

Servings: 7

Start With These for Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

• Italian Sausage: Brings bold, hearty flavor and robust meaty texture to the dish, selecting fresh or high-quality sausage ensures maximum taste complexity.
• Ricotta Cheese: Provides creamy richness and smooth consistency, choosing whole milk variety offers deeper taste and silkier texture.

• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and traditional Italian zest, selecting fresh cloves guarantees more intense flavor profile.
• Marinara Sauce: Delivers classic tangy tomato base with traditional Mediterranean undertones, opting for authentic brand ensures genuine taste experience.
• Spinach: Introduces vibrant green color and nutritional boost, picking fresh or well-drained frozen spinach prevents excess moisture.

• Pasta: Serves as hearty foundation for entire casserole, selecting short shapes like penne or rotini helps sauce cling effectively.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates golden, melty top layer with irresistible stretchy texture, using freshly grated cheese melts more evenly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes sharp, salty notes and beautiful golden crust, selecting authentic imported variety elevates overall dish.

Prep Tool Needed for Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning sausage and sautéing ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: Helps stir and mix ingredients smoothly.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ricotta and cheese mixture.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: Ideal for assembling and baking the pasta casserole.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping garlic and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice sausage and mince garlic efficiently.
• Cheese Grater: Use to shred fresh mozzarella or parmesan.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

How You’ll Cook Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

• Sausage Sizzle

Brown Italian sausage in a large skillet, breaking it into delicious crumbly pieces. The meat releases incredible flavor that will make your kitchen smell amazing.

• Veggie Boost

Toss minced garlic and fresh spinach into the sizzling sausage, letting the greens wilt and absorb all those rich meaty juices.

• Sauce Creation

Pour marinara sauce over the sausage mixture, stirring gently to combine. Fold in cooked pasta, ensuring every noodle gets coated with the robust sauce.

• Creamy Layer

Mix ricotta cheese with a sprinkle of herbs, creating a smooth and luxurious base that will add incredible creaminess to the dish.

• Baking Magic

Transfer the entire mixture to a baking dish, spreading the ricotta across the top. Pop it into a preheated oven until the edges are bubbly and the top turns a beautiful golden color.

Make It Better: Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake Tweaks & Ideas

• Toss in additional vegetables such as roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost nutrition and add extra texture to the dish.
• Mix in alternative cheese combinations like fontina, provolone, or a sprinkle of pecorino romano to create a more complex and rich cheese experience.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Simply pop it in the oven when you're ready to serve for an easy weeknight meal.
• Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising on flavor.

Hearty Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Simmering Italian sausage pasta bake delivers hearty comfort with layers of melted cheese and robust flavors. Mediterranean ingredients blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) fresh Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 1 24-oz (680 g) jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup (225 g) fresh ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 tbsps (20 g) grated parmesan cheese, divided, plus more for serving
• 5 oz (142 g) baby spinach
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp (3 g) coarsely chopped basil, plus more for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) with rack positioned centrally for uniform heating.
2. Sausage Preparation: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble Italian sausage, cooking until golden brown and releasing savory oils, then add minced garlic and sauté briefly.
3. Vegetable Integration: Incorporate fresh spinach into the sausage mixture, allowing leaves to wilt and blend seamlessly, then pour marinara sauce, stirring to create a harmonious flavor profile.
4. Pasta Cooking: Simultaneously boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and fold directly into the sausage-marinara mixture, ensuring complete coating.
5. Cheese Mixture: Blend ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, and black pepper in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy.
6. Assembly: Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread evenly, then top with dollops of ricotta mixture and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella.
7. Baking: Place in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
8. Serving: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and facilitate easier portioning.

Notes

• Meat Selection Tip: Choose high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavor, preferably fresh from a local butcher for maximum taste complexity.
• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just under al dente since it continues cooking in the oven, preventing mushy texture and maintaining ideal pasta consistency.
• Cheese Layering Trick: Distribute ricotta mixture and mozzarella strategically to ensure every bite contains creamy, melted cheese goodness.
• Resting Importance: Allow the dish to rest after baking to stabilize ingredients, enhance flavor melding, and make serving smoother without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 475
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 830 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg