Easy Italian Bake Recipe That’s Ready in Under 30 Minutes

An Italian bake represents the ultimate comfort food that merges vibrant ingredients with rich, soul-warming flavors.

Mediterranean culinary traditions dance across every single layer of this delectable casserole.

Robust proteins and colorful vegetables intertwine beneath a blanket of melting cheese, creating a symphony of textures.

Home cooks adore how quickly these ingredients come together without complicated techniques or extensive preparation.

Weeknight meal planning becomes effortless when you can assemble such a satisfying dish in minutes.

The aroma wafting through your kitchen promises a delightful dining experience that connects family and friends around the table.

Prepare to revamp an ordinary evening into a memorable feast.

How to Bake It Bold, Saucy, and Delicious

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Step 2: Cook the Proteins

• Cook chicken breasts until no pink remains, then cool and cut into bite-sized pieces
• Brown Italian sausage links in a skillet over medium heat
• Cool sausage and chop into small pieces
• Dice the onion
• Chop red and green bell peppers into chunks

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

• Cooked pasta
• Chopped chicken
• Sausage pieces
• Diced onion
• Bell pepper chunks

Mix in spaghetti sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish

Transfer the mixed ingredients to a deep baking dish, spreading evenly across the bottom.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded pizza cheese blend generously over the entire casserole surface.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until cheese melts to a golden brown with bubbling edges.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired pasta bake!

Tips That Make Every Bite a Gooey Surprise

• Maximize Meat Flavor: Brown chicken and sausage thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavors before adding to the casserole.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baked, ensuring a delightful bite in every spoonful.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use a high-quality pizza cheese blend and distribute evenly for a golden, bubbly top that looks and tastes irresistible.
• Prep Like a Pro: Chop all ingredients uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and balanced flavor in each serving.
• Sauce Coating Technique: Stir sauce gently to ensure every ingredient gets an even, delicious coating without breaking down the pasta or meat.

How to Store Without Losing That Melty Magic

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover Italian bake into an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the dish remains sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Freeze: Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil before placing in the freezer. Frozen Italian bake can last up to 3 months without losing its delicious flavor and texture. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent cheese from burning and ensure even heating.

What to Serve With This All-In-One Italian Favorite

• Pair with Crisp Pinot Grigio: This light Italian white wine complements the rich, savory flavors of the chicken and sausage bake, cutting through the cheese's richness with its refreshing acidity.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Companions: Crusty, buttery garlic bread provides the perfect crunchy side to scoop up extra sauce and add textural contrast to the creamy pasta casserole.
• Brighten with Fresh Herb Salad: A zesty mixed green salad with basil, arugula, and a light lemon vinaigrette offers a fresh, tangy counterpoint to the hearty, warm Italian bake.
• Cool Down with Chilled Antipasto Platter: A selection of marinated olives, cured meats, and pickled vegetables creates a vibrant starter that awakens the palate before diving into the main dish.

New Layers to Try for Your Next Batch

• Spicy Southwestern Fusion: Replace Italian sausage with chorizo, add black beans, corn, and swap spaghetti sauce for salsa. Incorporate pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat and southwestern flair.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Substitute chicken with ground lamb, include chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and mix in oregano and rosemary. Use a roasted tomato sauce instead of traditional spaghetti sauce for deeper flavors.
• Vegetarian Garden Harvest: Remove meat completely, add roasted zucchini, eggplant, and portobello mushrooms. Incorporate ricotta cheese and fresh basil leaves. Use marinara sauce with added nutritional yeast for a protein boost and rich, savory taste.
• Creamy Alfredo Version: Replace spaghetti sauce with homemade alfredo sauce, use grilled chicken breast, and mix in sun-dried tomatoes. Top with a blend of parmesan and mozzarella cheeses for a luxurious, creamy texture.

Why This Italian Bake Is Straight from Nonna’s Kitchen

• Quick and Hearty Weeknight Feast: This Italian bake delivers a complete meal packed with protein and flavor in just one dish, making dinner preparation a breeze for busy families.
• Customizable Comfort Food Classic: Easily swap proteins, adjust vegetable quantities, or experiment with different cheese blends to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Protein Powerhouse: Combining chicken and Italian sausage creates a satisfying protein-rich casserole that keeps hunger at bay and provides substantial nutrition for active households.
• Simple One-Pan Cooking Convenience: Minimal cleanup required with this straightforward recipe that combines all ingredients in a single baking dish, reducing kitchen time and dishwashing effort.

Everything That Layers Into This Cheesy Baked Beauty

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides a tender, mild base for the dish, choosing fresh and boneless for best results.
• Italian Sausage Links: Adds robust flavor and additional protein, selecting mild or spicy based on personal preference.

• Onion: Provides aromatic base and depth of flavor, fresh and firm onions work best.
• Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper: Adds color, crunch, and sweet vegetable notes, selecting crisp and vibrant peppers.

• Pasta: Creates hearty foundation for the casserole, choosing medium-sized pasta shapes for best texture.
• Spaghetti Sauce: Binds ingredients together and adds rich tomato flavor, selecting high-quality jarred or homemade sauce.
• Pizza Cheese Blend: Provides creamy, melty topping with golden finish, selecting a mix with multiple cheese types for complex flavor.

Italian Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Italian Bake delivers a symphony of Mediterranean flavors that dance across your palate. Hearty layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese promise a comforting meal that transports you straight to an Italian kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kg) chicken breasts (cooked and diced)
• 6 links Italian sausage (cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces)

Vegetables:

• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 bell peppers (1 red and 1 green; cut into chunks)

Base and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 g) pasta (penne, macaroni, shells, or preferred variety)
• 2 jars spaghetti sauce (Hunt’s recommended)
• 1 package pizza cheese blend (including mozzarella, cheddar, and assorted cheeses)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heating.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly cook chicken breasts until no pink remains. Remove from heat, let cool for 5 minutes, then slice into uniform bite-sized cubes.
3. Using the same skillet, brown Italian sausage links until fully cooked. Allow to cool briefly, then dice into small, consistent pieces.
4. Finely chop one medium onion and cut red and green bell peppers into uniform chunks.
5. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain completely in a colander and set aside.
6. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced chicken, sausage pieces, onion, and bell pepper chunks. Pour spaghetti sauce over the mixture and gently fold until all ingredients are evenly coated.
7. Transfer the mixed ingredients into a deep 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading the contents smoothly and evenly across the bottom.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded pizza cheese blend over the entire surface, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly crust with slightly crispy edges.

Notes

• Prep ahead saves time by cooking meats and veggies earlier in the day.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options for dietary preferences.
• Mix different cheese varieties like mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone for deeper flavor complexity.
• Choose spicy Italian sausage to add extra kick and warmth to the casserole.
• Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the overall taste when sprinkled on top before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking, Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 486 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 915mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 31g
• Cholesterol: 92mg