Description
Cheesy Baked Pasta with Sausage and Marinara
Ingredients
:
12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
1 lb smoked sausage or hotdogs, sliced
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced sausage for 3-4 minutes until browned.
Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the cooked pasta with the sausage and sauce until fully coated.
Assemble the Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden crust, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve:
Serve hot and enjoy!
This Cheesy Baked Pasta with Sausage and Marinara is a family-friendly, comfort-food dish that’s both filling and full of flavor!
Perfect for a cozy dinner. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect results, follow this detailed guide. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. While the water for the pasta comes to a boil, slice your sausage. Cook the pasta in well-salted water for 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests for al dente texture. As the pasta cooks, brown the sausage slices in a large skillet to develop flavor. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the starchy water. To the skillet with sausage, add the marinara, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors. Off the heat, add the drained pasta and the reserved pasta water, tossing until everything is evenly coated.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty baked pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a vegetable side, try roasted broccoli or garlic breadsticks. To elevate a casual dinner, serve with a glass of Chianti or Sangiovese wine.
How-to Summary
Boil pasta until al dente. Brown sliced sausage, then simmer with marinara and seasonings. Combine pasta and sauce, transfer to a baking dish, and top with cheeses. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly, then broil briefly for a golden top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What can I use instead of smoked sausage? Italian sausage (casings removed), ground beef, or meatballs are excellent substitutes. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage or roasted vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
My cheese is browning too fast. What should I do? If the cheese is browning before the dish is heated through, loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then remove it.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Ziti, shells, or cavatappi work well. Avoid very small pastas like elbow macaroni, as they can become mushy.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire dish covered in foil in a 350°F oven until warm.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the pasta initially, as it will continue to soften in the oven. Do not skip browning the sausage; this step adds crucial depth of flavor. Ensure your sauce is well-seasoned before combining with the pasta, as the cheeses will mute the flavors slightly. Finally, for the best texture, let the baked pasta rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Pasta with Sausage and Marinara is the ultimate reliable comfort food. It’s straightforward to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to please a crowd. With its rich sauce, savory sausage, and perfectly melted cheese topping, it turns a simple weeknight meal into a special occasion. Follow the tips and steps above to create a flawless, family-favorite dish every time.