Quick & Cozy Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe

Cheesy Italian sausage pasta bake combines comfort and flavor in one irresistible dish.

Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a symphony of taste that warms the soul.

Italian culinary traditions shine through this delectable casserole, enhanceing simple components into something extraordinary.

Robust sausage mingles with tender pasta, while melted cheese forms a golden, crispy crust that beckons hungry diners.

Weeknight meals gain new excitement with this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises satisfaction in every single bite.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together, requiring minimal preparation and maximum enjoyment.

Rich, aromatic spices dance throughout the dish, ensuring each forkful delivers maximum deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

• Flavor Explosion: Packed with savory Italian sausage, tangy marinara sauce, and creamy ricotta, this pasta bake delivers a mouthwatering combination that dances across your taste buds.
• Comfort Food Champion: Perfectly crafted for cozy family dinners or weekend gatherings, this hearty dish provides warmth and satisfaction with its rich, melted cheese and robust ingredients.
• One-Pan Wonder: Simplified cooking method means minimal cleanup, making this recipe a stress-free option for busy home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal kitchen effort.
• Nutritious and Delicious: Spinach adds a healthy boost of greens, while protein-packed sausage and cheese create a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet nutritionally smart.

Everything Needed for Sausage Pasta Bake

• Italian Sausage: Hearty meat that provides rich, savory flavor and main protein for the dish. Choose fresh, high-quality sausage with good spice blend.
• Ground Beef: Optional meat that adds extra protein and depth to the dish. Lean varieties work best for less grease.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base for mixture that adds smooth texture and subtle richness. Fresh ricotta delivers best taste and consistency.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty topping that creates golden, stretchy cheese layer. Full-fat variety ensures best melting and flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that enhances overall flavor profile. Freshly grated provides superior taste compared to pre-packaged.

• Pasta: Sturdy pasta shape that holds sauce well and creates hearty meal. Penne or rigatoni recommended for best texture.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian sauce that provides tangy, tomato-based foundation. Homemade or high-quality jarred sauce works perfectly.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced.
• Spinach: Nutritious green that adds color, nutrients, and subtle earthiness. Fresh spinach recommended for best texture.

Instructions for Cheesy Sausage Pasta Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Zone

Crank your oven to 375°F and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Get all your ingredients lined up and ready to roll.

Step 2: Brown the Savory Sausage

Grab a large skillet and cook the Italian sausage over medium heat. Break it into tasty crumbles until it’s fully cooked and has a beautiful golden color. Drain any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Toss in Flavor Boosters

• Minced garlic
• Fresh spinach leaves

Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and the garlic becomes fragrant and golden.

Step 4: Create the Saucy Base

Pour in marinara sauce and cooked pasta. Mix everything so each pasta piece gets a delicious sauce coating.

Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated parmesan
• Chopped fresh basil
• Beaten egg
• Salt and pepper

Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Layer and Bake to Perfection

Transfer half the pasta mixture to the baking dish. Spread the ricotta mixture on top. Cover with remaining pasta. Sprinkle extra cheese if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the pasta bake cool for 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Slice, serve, and enjoy your creamy, cheesy masterpiece!

Tips to Keep Pasta Bake Creamy and Cheesy

• Maximize Sausage Flavor: Brown the Italian sausage thoroughly to develop deep, caramelized notes that enhance the overall dish's richness.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just shy of al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy or overcooked noodles.
• Cheese Layer Technique: Dollop ricotta mixture in small, strategic spots to ensure even distribution and creamy pockets throughout the bake.
• Moisture Control: Drain excess liquid from spinach to prevent a watery casserole and maintain a thick, hearty consistency.
• Crispy Top Trick: Sprinkle additional mozzarella during the last 5 minutes of baking to create a golden, bubbling cheese crust that adds irresistible texture.

How to Reheat and Store Sausage Pasta Bake Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed pasta bake will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the dish covered to prevent moisture loss and maintain its delicious flavor.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe container before freezing. Frozen pasta bake can last up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated completely. Add a splash of extra marinara sauce to restore moisture and prevent dryness.

Pairing Tips for Italian Sausage Pasta

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Italian Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the sausage and cut through the creamy cheese.
• Serve with Crisp Garlic Bread: Toasted rustic bread rubbed with fresh garlic creates the perfect side to soak up the savory marinara sauce and add a crunchy texture contrast.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta dish and provide a bright, zesty counterpoint to the creamy, cheesy bake.
• Select a Zesty Appetizer: Kick off the meal with antipasto like marinated olives or bruschetta to enhance the Italian-inspired flavor profile and prepare the palate for the main course.

Variations for Cheesy Sausage Bakes

• Spicy Chorizo Kick: Swap Italian sausage for chorizo and add red pepper flakes for a bold, zesty flavor profile that brings heat to the classic pasta bake.
• Mediterranean Veggie Fusion: Replace sausage with roasted eggplant and zucchini, using feta cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter, plant-based version that celebrates Mediterranean ingredients.
• Creamy Mushroom Upgrade: Substitute sausage with mixed wild mushrooms and add a splash of white wine to the sauce, creating an earthy, rich alternative that vegetarians will love.
• Protein-Packed Chicken Remix: Use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken instead of sausage, incorporating fresh herbs like basil and thyme to enhance the overall taste and nutritional value.

Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake delivers comfort in one hearty Mediterranean-inspired dish. Rich tomato sauce, spicy sausage, and melted cheese create a perfect weeknight dinner that satisfies deep hunger and warms souls.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) fresh Italian sausage (about 4 links), removed from casings

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 5 ounces (142 grams) baby spinach
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

Sauce and Cheese:

• 1 24-ounce (680 grams) jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup (225 grams) fresh ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 tablespoons (20 grams) grated parmesan cheese, divided, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon (3 grams) coarsely chopped basil, plus more for serving

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Instructions

1. Activate the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the center for even heating.
2. Retrieve a large skillet and heat over medium-high flame, then crumble Italian sausage into the pan, breaking it into small, uniform pieces.
3. Cook the sausage thoroughly, stirring occasionally, until it transforms into a rich golden brown and releases its savory oils, approximately 6-8 minutes.
4. Mince fresh garlic cloves and introduce them to the sausage, sautéing for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant and translucent.
5. Add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet, gently folding them into the sausage mixture until they wilt and integrate seamlessly, about 2 minutes.
6. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients and create a harmonious blend of flavors.
7. Simultaneously, cook pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water until it reaches al dente consistency, typically 8-10 minutes.
8. Drain the pasta and fold it directly into the sausage and marinara mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is well-coated.
9. In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a pinch of black pepper, blending until smooth.
10. Transfer the pasta and sausage mixture to a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish, spreading it evenly.
11. Dollop the ricotta mixture across the top of the pasta, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese to create a luxurious, melty surface.
12. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden and bubbling.
13. Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps the flavors meld and makes portioning easier.

Notes

• Swap spicy or mild Italian sausage based on your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile for this comforting dish.
• Remove sausage casings before cooking to ensure even browning and better texture throughout the pasta bake.
• Drain excess fat from sausage to prevent the dish from becoming greasy and maintain a balanced, rich taste.
• Fresh spinach wilts quickly, so add it last moment to preserve its vibrant color and nutritional value.
• Ricotta mixture can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, making meal prep more convenient and streamlined.
• Let the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make serving easier.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 538 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 810 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg