Cheesy Sausage Pasta Bake
This cheesy sausage pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, savory, and perfect for weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage mild or hot, casings removed
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese freshly grated preferred
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and brown the sausage. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft. Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute more.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer 10 minutes. Add cream and return sausage to the pan. Simmer 5 more minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce. Stir to coat evenly. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Layer half the pasta in the baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with remaining pasta and cheeses.
- Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Cook pasta just shy of al dente—it will finish baking in the oven.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better and creates a creamier texture.
- Make ahead by assembling fully and refrigerating unbaked for up to 24 hours.
- Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 660
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 38g
- Total Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: 49g