Ingredients
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups marinara or pasta sauce
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned.
4. Add chopped onion and sauté 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Pour in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sausage sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, and half the Parmesan.
7. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
8. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
Make it ahead and refrigerate—just add 5 extra minutes to the bake time.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: italian sausage pasta bake, cheesy pasta casserole, easy comfort food dinner