Description
Baked Pasta with Sausage and Cheese
Ingredients:
12 oz penne pasta or your favorite pasta
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
Stir in the marinara sauce and oregano. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage sauce mixture. Stir to coat evenly.
Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Serve and enjoy this cheesy, savory pasta bake!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready when your dish is assembled. Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until it is just al dente (slightly firm to the bite), as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the Italian sausage from its casings and add it to the skillet, using a spoon to crumble it. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked sausage. Add the dried oregano. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine Pasta & Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained pasta. Pour the sausage and sauce mixture over it. Gently stir until every piece of pasta is evenly coated.
6. Assemble & Cheese: Transfer the saucy pasta into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated parmesan.
7. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and has golden spots.
8. Rest & Garnish: Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to set slightly for easier serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta bake is a complete meal on its own. For a balanced dinner, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a lighter accompaniment, serve with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
How-to Summary
Cook pasta al dente. Brown crumbled Italian sausage in a skillet. Simmer with marinara sauce. Combine sauce and pasta in a bowl. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, you may need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely. Ground beef, turkey, or chicken are excellent substitutes for Italian sausage. If using plain ground meat, consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the sauce for more flavor.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze this baked pasta? It freezes very well. After baking, let it cool completely. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
My cheese is browning too quickly. What should I do? If the cheese is getting too dark before the bake is heated through, loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will slow the browning while allowing the dish to continue cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Boiling the pasta until it’s fully soft will result in a mushy bake. Always cook to just al dente.
- Not Seasoning the Sauce: Taste your sauce mixture before combining it with the pasta. Sausage and jarred sauce vary in saltiness, so adjusting with salt, pepper, or extra herbs is crucial.
- Skipping the Rest Time: Serving the bake immediately from the oven will cause it to be very runny. Letting it rest for 5 minutes allows it to set for perfect serving.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese (Exclusively): While convenient, pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. For best results, shred your own mozzarella block.
Conclusion
This Baked Pasta with Sausage and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory sausage, rich marinara, and gooey melted cheese in one simple dish. It’s reliably delicious, perfect for feeding a crowd, and easily adaptable to your preferences. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and achieve a perfectly baked, flavorful dinner every time. Enjoy the hearty, satisfying results of this classic family-friendly meal.