Imagine a dish that combines the hearty richness of Italian sausage, the creamy indulgence of three different cheeses, and the classic comfort of perfectly baked pasta. This Baked Pasta with Sausage is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that will transform your dinner table into a gourmet Italian restaurant. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or hosting a weekend gathering, this recipe promises to be your new go-to crowd-pleaser that's both impressive and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is completely browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the cooked sausage. Add marinara sauce to the skillet and stir to combine with the sausage, heating through for 2-3 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and evenly seasoned.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half the cooked pasta. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Pour the sausage and marinara sauce mixture over the ricotta layer, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish, covering the entire surface.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- For the best flavor, use high-quality Italian sausage and don't be afraid to mix hot and mild varieties for complexity.
- Cook your pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
- Drain excess fat from the sausage to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
- Allow the dish to rest after baking for 5-10 minutes. This helps the cheese set and makes serving cleaner and easier.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a garnish just before serving.
- If you want a crispier top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This recipe freezes beautifully. Prepare in advance and store in the freezer for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 620kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 95mg
