Zesty Italian Sausage & Rainbow Pepper Pasta Bake Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this zesty Italian sausage and colorful pepper pasta bake delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Sizzling sausage mingles with sweet bell peppers in a mouthwatering medley that promises instant satisfaction.

Layers of melted cheese and perfectly seasoned meat create a dish that turns an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Each forkful promises a burst of robust flavors that dance across your palate with Mediterranean flair.

The vibrant colors peek through a golden, bubbling cheese crust, making this pasta bake a feast for both eyes and taste buds.

Hearty, satisfying, and simple to assemble, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to become the dinner hero tonight.

Best Ways to Plate Italian Sausage and Colorful Pepper Pasta Bake

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich sausage and peppers.
• Pair with Side Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with light vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta bake and add a refreshing contrast.
• Add Cheese Finishing Touch: Grate extra Parmesan or sprinkle mozzarella on top before the final bake to create a golden, melty cheese crust that elevates the entire dish.
• Wine Complement Selection: Pour a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the robust flavors of the Italian sausage and create a restaurant-quality dining experience.

Keep It Fresh: Italian Sausage and Colorful Pepper Pasta Bake Storage Tips

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover pasta bake in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and texture retention.
• Freeze with Ease: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe dish, keeping tasty meal ready for quick reheating within 3 months of preparation.
• Reheat Perfectly: Warm individual portions in microwave for 2-3 minutes or restore crispy top by baking at 350°F for 15-20 minutes in oven.
• Maximize Freshness: Allow cooked dish to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain delicious pasta integrity.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 487 kcal

Servings: 7

Start With These for Italian Sausage and Colorful Pepper Pasta Bake

• Penne Pasta: Sturdy pasta shape that catches sauce perfectly, choose bronze-cut for extra texture.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid gold for creating silky sauce consistency.

• Italian Sausage: Robust, spicy meat that adds deep flavor, select fresh links with visible herb specks.
• Red Bell Pepper: Sweet, vibrant vegetable bringing color and crisp freshness.
• Yellow Bell Pepper: Sunny-toned pepper adding mild sweetness and visual appeal.
• Green Bell Pepper: Slightly bitter pepper providing earthy undertones.
• Onion: Aromatic foundation that caramelizes beautifully when sautéed.
• Garlic: Intense flavor booster that elevates entire dish's taste profile.

• Marinara Sauce: Rich tomato base creating classic Italian comfort feel.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious ingredient smoothing sauce and adding velvety texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy topping that creates irresistible golden crust.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese for complex flavor depth.
• Fresh Basil: Bright herb lending authentic Mediterranean essence.
• Olive Oil: Silky cooking medium with rich Mediterranean character.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing overall flavor.

Prep Tool Needed for Italian Sausage and Colorful Pepper Pasta Bake

• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning sausage and sautéing colorful peppers.
• Pasta Pot: Boil pasta to al dente perfection with plenty of salted water.
• Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Chop vegetables and slice sausage with ease.
• Sharp Knife: Slice peppers, onions, and sausage into even pieces.
• Baking Dish: Mix and bake the pasta with a golden, crispy top.
• Colander: Drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Cheese Grater: Shred fresh parmesan for a delicious cheesy finish.

How You’ll Cook Italian Sausage and Colorful Pepper Pasta Bake

• Pasta Foundation

Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, ensuring it remains slightly firm. Drain and set aside, letting the pasta cool slightly while preparing other components.

• Sausage Transformation

Brown italian sausage in a skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and releasing its rich, savory flavors. The meat should develop a deep golden color and crispy edges that promise delicious depth to the dish.

• Vegetable Symphony

Slice bell peppers and onions into colorful, vibrant strips. Sauté them in the same skillet used for sausage, capturing all the delicious remnant flavors and creating a harmonious blend of soft, slightly caramelized vegetables.

• Sauce Creation

Whisk together marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and a splash of heavy cream. This creamy mixture will bind all ingredients, adding a luxurious and smooth texture that elevates the entire pasta bake.

• Baked Harmony

Layer pasta, sausage, vegetables, and sauce in a baking dish. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated oven until cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly, creating an irresistible final presentation.

Make It Better: Italian Sausage and Colorful Pepper Pasta Bake Tweaks & Ideas

• Swap out Italian sausage for spicy chorizo or chicken sausage to transform the dish's taste and add a unique twist.
• Mix in zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms to increase the nutritional value and create a more colorful, diverse vegetable medley.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like smoked gouda, fontina, or a blend of pecorino and parmesan to elevate the dish's richness and depth.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to two days in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknight meals or meal prep.
• Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free alternatives like chickpea or brown rice pasta for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or texture.

Hearty Italian Sausage And Colorful Pepper Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian sausage and colorful pepper pasta bake combines robust flavors with comfort food charm. Rich layers of pasta, sausage, and peppers create a satisfying meal sure to please dinner companions.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb hot Italian sausage or hot turkey sausage, casings removed
• 1 lb penne, cavatappi, or rotini pasta
• 6 oz freshly grated mild Gouda (may substitute cheddar)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 15 oz can fire roasted tomatoes with juices
• 1 cup half and half (or milk whisked with 1 ½ tsp cornstarch)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, ½-inch chop
• 1 yellow bell pepper, ½-inch chop
• 1 orange bell pepper, ½-inch chop
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon (granulated, cube, or base)
• 1 ½ tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spicy)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) with rack centered for uniform heating.
2. Pasta Cooking: Salt boiling water and cook pasta until al dente, then drain and reserve.
3. Sausage Browning: Crumble Italian sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, cooking until golden and fully cooked, then drain excess fat on paper towels.
4. Vegetable Sautéing: In the same skillet, caramelize bell peppers and onions until tender, then briefly sauté garlic until aromatic.
5. Sauce Creation: Incorporate marinara sauce with sautéed vegetables and browned sausage, seasoning with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer briefly to meld flavors.
6. Assembly: Layer pasta in baking dish, pour sausage-vegetable sauce evenly over top, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface, creating a complete cheese layer.
8. Baking: Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
9. Finishing: Rest pasta bake for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot alongside optional side salad or garlic bread.

Notes

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality Italian sausage and vibrant bell peppers for maximum flavor and color in your pasta bake.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a perfect bite every time.
• Drain and Absorb Excess Grease: Use paper towels to remove extra fat from cooked sausage, keeping the dish lighter and preventing an overly greasy result.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Allow cheese to become golden and bubbly for a delicious crispy top layer that adds incredible texture and visual appeal to the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 63 mg