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Pasta Bake with Sausage Recipe

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4.1 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Leila
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

A comforting and hearty pasta bake featuring penne pasta mixed with flavorful Italian sausage and a rich tomato sauce, topped with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish combines tender pasta, savory meat, fresh herbs, and melted cheese in a delicious casserole.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta

Sauce and Sausage

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 4 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Cheeses

  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, divided
  • 3 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta casserole.
  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
  3. Brown Sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until the oil is hot and sizzling. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot with the browned sausage. Sauté them together until soft and tender, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Make Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, reduce heat to medium, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in Italian seasoning, half a cup of Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Simmer Sauce: Lower the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to deepen the flavors.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the drained pasta into the pot with the sauce and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sausage tomato sauce.
  8. Assemble Casserole: Spread half of the sauced pasta into a 9x13 inch casserole pan. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella (1.5 cups) on top. Add the remaining pasta and then top with the remaining mozzarella and the rest of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface.
  9. Bake: Bake the assembled pasta casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
  10. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 15 minutes before serving to let the dish set for easier slicing and enhanced flavors.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer more heat.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides better flavor than pre-grated store-bought.
  • If you want a lighter version, use part-skim mozzarella cheese.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • You can add vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the sausage mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://recipesbyleila.com/pasta-bake-with-sausage-recipe/