Sausage Pasta Bake

Sausage Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty dish that brings the flavors of Italian cuisine straight to your table. This recipe combines tender pasta, savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s a favorite for family dinners and gatherings, perfect for satisfying those hunger pangs!

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Why Make This Recipe

Making Sausage Pasta Bake is an excellent choice for many reasons. Firstly, it’s simple to prepare and requires only a few ingredients, making it a great option for weeknight meals. Secondly, it’s a crowd-pleaser; adults and kids alike enjoy the delicious combination of sausage and cheese. Lastly, this dish is easy to customize—add in your favorite vegetables or switch up the type of sausage to suit your taste!

How to Make Sausage Pasta Bake

Making Sausage Pasta Bake is straightforward. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.

Ingredients:

12 oz penne pasta
1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
1 medium onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
24 oz tomato sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage, breaking it into pieces. Add the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
Combine the cooked pasta, sausage mixture, and tomato sauce in a bowl. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese.
Transfer to the baking dish, top with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

How to Serve Sausage Pasta Bake

Sausage Pasta Bake is best served hot from the oven. You can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Sausage Pasta Bake

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Sausage Pasta Bake will last for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for later use. Just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Sausage Pasta Bake

For extra flavor, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the sausage mixture.
Swap out the sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
If you like it spicy, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Variation

For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free pasta. Additionally, if you want a creamy texture, you can stir in some cream or cheese sauce before baking.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! While penne works great, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as rotini or ziti.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: You can reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave until warm.

Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Sausage Pasta Bake with your friends and family!

Sausage Pasta Bake