Description
A comforting and hearty Pasta Bake with Sausage, combining al dente pasta, savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti or penne pasta until just shy of al dente, usually about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage along with the diced onion until the sausage is fully cooked and the onion is softened, about 7-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the jar of marinara sauce, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Assemble: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Add half of the cooked pasta over the sauce. Dot spoonfuls of ricotta or cottage cheese evenly over the pasta, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta and meat sauce. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbling.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make ahead, assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
