Hearty One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe for Families

Savory aromas of herbs and hearty one pot Italian sausage pasta bake fill the kitchen with warmth and comfort.

Melted cheese bubbles tantalizingly over perfectly cooked pasta and spicy sausage.

This rustic dish brings together classic Italian flavors in a simple, satisfying meal.

Rich tomato sauce binds tender pasta and juicy sausage into a delectable masterpiece.

Each bite promises robust seasonings and a delightful blend of textures.

The recipe comes together effortlessly with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal straight from your own kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 565 kcal

Servings: 5

Shopping Items for One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

• Italian Sausage: Delivers robust, savory flavor and hearty texture to the dish, choose fresh ground sausage with balanced fat content for maximum taste.
• Onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and depth, select firm, smooth-skinned onions without blemishes for best results.

• Shell Pasta: Captures sauce perfectly in its curved shape, pick high-quality durum wheat pasta for superior texture.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates rich, vibrant sauce base with natural sweetness, opt for San Marzano variety for authentic Italian flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances overall moisture and adds subtle background complexity, use low-sodium version for better control of saltiness.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and thickens sauce, choose brands with deep red color indicating concentrated taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Introduces traditional Mediterranean herb blend, look for fresh, fragrant mix without excessive staleness.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers creamy, stretchy texture and mild flavor, select fresh whole milk variety for superior melting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty undertone, grate from authentic block for most intense taste experience.
• Garlic: Contributes bold, aromatic punch, select firm, plump cloves without green sprouts for maximum potency.

Equipment Overview for One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking sausage, onions, and combining all ingredients in one pan.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing pasta from sticking.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring broth, pasta, and other ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if you're grating fresh mozzarella or parmesan cheese.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping onions and mincing garlic.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

How to Cook One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

• Sausage and Onion Symphony

Brown Italian sausage with diced onions in a skillet, creating a delicious base that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. The meat will transform into a golden, crispy delight while onions become soft and translucent.

• Garlic Awakening

Add fresh minced garlic, stirring quickly to release its magical fragrance and infuse the entire dish with rich, robust flavor that will make your taste buds dance.

• Liquid Magic

Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, shell pasta, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Let everything mingle and bubble, creating a harmonious one-pot wonder that promises comfort and satisfaction.

• Pasta Perfection

Simmer the mixture until pasta becomes tender and sauce thickens, allowing all ingredients to blend their personalities into a spectacular culinary experience. Stir gently to prevent sticking.

• Cheesy Finale

Remove from heat and shower the dish with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Watch as they melt into a creamy, luxurious blanket that transforms your pasta into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece.

Techniques for One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Bake You’ll Love

• Mix up the protein by swapping Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner twist on this hearty dish.
• Toss in extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the cooking process to increase nutrition and add vibrant colors to your one-pot meal.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations such as fontina, provolone, or a spicy pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a kick of heat in their pasta bake. Adjust the spice level to suit your family's palate.
• Prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through and bubbly.

Serving It Up: One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley on top to add a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich, hearty pasta.
• Pair with Crisp Side Salad: Serve alongside a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy, savory pasta dish and add some refreshing crunch.
• Add Crusty Garlic Bread: Warm up some Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a perfect textural contrast to the pasta bake.
• Top with Red Pepper Flakes: Offer a small dish of red pepper flakes on the side for those who love an extra kick of heat and want to customize their meal.

Storing Tips for One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

• Batch Prep Like a Pro: Make this recipe in larger quantities to enjoy quick meals throughout the week. Separate into individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
• Refrigerate with Care: Store leftovers in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will maintain its delicious flavors and creamy texture when properly sealed.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Transfer cooled pasta bake to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for maximum 3 months, ensuring a delightful meal is always ready when you need it.
• Reheat for Maximum Enjoyment: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out, bringing back the dish's original mouthwatering appeal.

Hearty One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty one pot Italian sausage pasta bake delivers robust Mediterranean flavors with minimal cleanup. Savory sausage, melted cheese, and herb-infused sauce create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage
• 2 cups (340 g) shell pasta
• 1 (28 oz / 794 g) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 ½ cups (590 ml) chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tbsps (30 g) tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Sear Sausage: Caramelize italian sausage and diced onions in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, stirring continuously until meat achieves rich golden color and onions turn translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.
2. Aromatic Enhancement: Introduce finely minced garlic, sautéing briefly to unlock its robust flavor profile without scorching, roughly 60 seconds.
3. Liquid Integration: Combine crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, shell pasta, tomato paste, and italian seasoning, thoroughly mixing to ensure even ingredient distribution and seamless incorporation.
4. Controlled Cooking: Trigger a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to low-medium heat, allowing contents to simmer gently and develop complex flavors while pasta absorbs liquid and becomes tender.
5. Cheese Fusion: Remove skillet from heat and fold in shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses until completely melted, creating a creamy, luxurious texture throughout the dish.
6. Finishing Touch: Optional broiling with an additional mozzarella cheese layer creates an irresistible golden-brown crust, elevating the visual and textural appeal of the pasta bake.

Notes

• Meat Browning Tip: Ensure sausage develops a deep golden color for maximum flavor development and textural complexity.
• Garlic Timing Matters: Brief 60-second sauté prevents burning while releasing robust aromatic compounds that enhance overall dish taste.
• Liquid Ratio Control: Precise liquid measurement guarantees perfect pasta consistency, avoiding dry or overly soupy results.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Allow residual heat to gently melt cheese for smooth, creamy integration without potential scorching.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 565
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg