We’re excited to share another incredibly easy dinner recipe that everyone at home will adore. This Italian Sausage Pasta Bake is not only simple to assemble, making it perfect for busy evenings, but it’s also incredibly flavorful and satisfying. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy classic Italian-inspired flavors in a convenient, baked format.

Using sausage in pasta dishes, or even in simple sheet pan meals, is one of my favorite go-to methods for adding robust flavor and protein without much fuss. You might recall some of my past creations that feature delicious sausage, like my Sausage and Shrimp Foil Packets, the hearty Easy Baked Rigatoni with Chicken Meatballs, and the ever-convenient Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Vegetables. Each of these recipes highlights how versatile and delicious sausage can be, and this pasta bake is no exception!

These recipes are all designed for easy meal prep, providing a fantastic family meal with minimal effort. What’s even better about this particular pasta bake is its freezer-friendly nature. You can easily make a double batch to feed a larger crowd or prepare it ahead of time and freeze a portion for a quick meal later in the week or month.

This Italian sausage baked pasta relies on a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients that you likely already have on hand or can easily find at your local grocery store. Below is an overview of what you’ll need to create this amazing dish. For precise measurements and step-by-step printable instructions, make sure to check out the full recipe card located further down the page.

• Chicken Sausage: For this particular recipe, I opted for sweet Italian style chicken sausage, which offers a milder flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates. However, the beauty of this dish is its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with other varieties of chicken sausage, such as a spicy Italian for a kick, or even pork sausage if that’s what you prefer. Two of my personal favorites for this bake are the Roasted Red Pepper and Asiago chicken sausage for a cheesy, peppery twist, and the Roasted Garlic chicken sausage for an extra layer of aromatic flavor. Ensure you slice or crumble the sausage into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the pasta bake.
• Pasta: The type of pasta you choose can make a difference in how well it holds the sauce and cheese. I recommend using a medium-sized pasta shape for this dish, such as penne, rigatoni, ziti, or cavatappi. These shapes have grooves or holes that trap the delicious sauce and ricotta cheese perfectly. For a healthier option that adds fiber and nutrients, consider using a whole wheat pasta, or even alternative pastas made from red lentil or chickpea flour. Just remember to cook it al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Sauce: To keep things incredibly simple and fast, I rely on my favorite store-bought jar of quality tomato sauce or marinara sauce. This significantly cuts down on prep time without sacrificing flavor. If you have extra time or a homemade sauce recipe you love, feel free to use that instead. For an even richer flavor, consider stirring in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the sauce.
• Cheese: No pasta bake is complete without a generous amount of cheese! When I prepare baked pasta dishes like this Italian Sausage Pasta Bake or a classic Baked Ziti with Ricotta, I love using a trio of cheeses for maximum flavor and creaminess. My go-to combination includes creamy ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella for that irresistible melty pull, and grated Parmesan cheese for its sharp, salty notes. If ricotta isn’t your preference, you can certainly omit it, but I highly recommend it as it adds a wonderful creaminess and balances the rich tomato sauce beautifully.
• Seasoning: A touch of dried oregano is all you need to bring out those classic Italian flavors. Fresh parsley or basil for garnish at the end adds a burst of freshness and color.

Preparing this delicious Italian Sausage Pasta Bake is incredibly straightforward, perfect for a busy weeknight. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fantastic dinner ready in no time!

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While the oven heats, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente – slightly firm to the bite. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so avoid overcooking it at this stage. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.

Step 2: Craft the Flavorful Sauce: While your pasta is boiling, you can multitask by preparing the sausage and sauce. If your sausage isn’t already pre-cooked, you’ll want to brown it in a skillet until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat and chop it into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine your favorite jar of tomato sauce with the creamy ricotta cheese. Stir these together until they are well-incorporated and smooth. Next, add the dried oregano and the cooked, chopped sausage to the sauce mixture. Give it another good stir to ensure all the components are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine and Assemble the Bake: Once the pasta is drained and cooled slightly, add it directly to the large mixing bowl with your sausage and sauce mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the rich, savory sauce. Pour this entire pasta and sauce mixture into a nonstick 9 x 13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Finish by generously sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top, ensuring a beautiful, cheesy crust.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection and Serve: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta dish is heated through, the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning. Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious homemade Italian sausage pasta bake!

One of the best things about this Italian Sausage Pasta Bake is how easily it can be adapted to your family’s preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding sautéed vegetables. Onions and garlic can be cooked before adding the sausage. Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini can be lightly sautéed and mixed into the sauce with the pasta.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Different Meats: While chicken sausage is fantastic, feel free to substitute with ground beef, ground turkey, or even a mix of ground pork and beef. Just be sure to brown and drain any excess fat before mixing with the sauce.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations. Provolone, fontina, or even a smoked mozzarella could add interesting new dimensions to the dish.
• Herb Boost: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added to the sauce along with the oregano for a more complex flavor profile. A tablespoon of fresh basil chiffonade stirred in just before baking would also be lovely.
• Creamier Sauce: For an even richer, creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese to the tomato and ricotta mixture.

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your pasta al dente. It will continue to absorb liquid and cook further in the oven, so slightly undercooking it initially prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Brown Your Sausage: If using raw sausage, ensure it’s thoroughly browned and crumbled before adding it to the sauce. This develops flavor and texture.
• Season Generously: Taste your sauce before combining it with the pasta. Adjust salt, pepper, and oregano as needed. A well-seasoned sauce is key to a flavorful bake.
• Even Cheese Distribution: When sprinkling the cheese on top, try to get an even layer. This ensures every serving gets a share of that delicious melted cheese crust.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the pasta bake to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the dish set, making it easier to serve and preventing it from falling apart.
• Cover if Necessary: If the top cheese is browning too quickly before the pasta is heated through, loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil.

This hearty Italian Sausage Pasta Bake is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a fresh side dish can elevate your dinner experience. Here are some fantastic options to complement the rich flavors of the pasta bake:

• Fresh Salads: A crisp, vibrant salad is always a wonderful counterpoint to a rich pasta dish. The acidity and freshness cut through the richness beautifully. I highly recommend serving this Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts for its peppery bite and bright dressing, or this comforting Spinach Salad with Bacon for added texture and savory notes. For something simple yet incredibly flavorful, try this Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing, which offers a healthy and refreshing crunch.
• Roasted or Sautéed Vegetables: Lightly cooked vegetables provide a great balance to the pasta bake without making the meal too heavy. My favorites include this perfectly seasoned Roasted Broccoli, Green Beans with Brown Butter and Toasted Almonds for a touch of elegance, or this quick and easy Sautéed Spinach. These options add fiber and a lovely fresh element.
• Warm Bread: You can never go wrong with some warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. It’s the perfect accompaniment to an Italian meal. My absolute favorites are this highly recommended Best Sourdough Bread Recipe with its tangy flavor and chewy texture, or this wholesome Homemade Wheat Bread for a softer, more rustic feel. A simple garlic bread or cheesy bread would also be a fantastic addition.

This Italian Sausage Pasta Bake makes excellent leftovers, and it’s also incredibly freezer-friendly, making it a fantastic meal prep option. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Storage Tips

Allow any leftovers to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer the cooled pasta bake into an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. This makes it perfect for packed lunches or quick reheats throughout the week.

Freezing Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

By Julia Jolliff

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6

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This Italian Sausage Pasta Bake is an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love. Sweet Italian Style Chicken Sausage is mixed with pasta, tomato sauce and cheese and baked to perfection!

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 – 11 ounce package of sweet Italian sausage
• ▢ 8 ounces of pasta, cooked
• ▢ 1 – 24 ounce jar of tomato sauce
• ▢ 1 cup of ricotta cheese
• ▢ 1 teaspoon oregano
• ▢ 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ▢ 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• ▢ Fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Cook the pasta according to the package. Drain and set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl combine the tomato sauce, chopped sausage, oregano and ricotta and stir well. Add the pasta in and mix well.
• Pour the pasta mixture into a 9 x 13 baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta mixture.
• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through and the cheese is bubbling. Garnish with basil and fresh parsley.

Notes

• You can store the leftovers for up 3 to 5 days in an air tight container.
• For freezing: Let dishes cool completely, then cover with a double layer of foil and freeze for up to three months. To reheat: Move the pasta straight from freeze to oven at 350 degrees F. Let bake for an hour, covered, to thaw completely and heated through.

Nutrition

Serving: 6g, Calories: 408kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 25g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 65mg, Sodium: 595mg, Potassium: 202mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 593IU, Vitamin C: 0.4mg, Calcium: 486mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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