Italian Sausage Pasta Bake
User Reviews
5
Italian Sausage Pasta Bake
Description
This pasta bake begins by cooking rigatoni until just al dente to ensure the pasta holds up well during baking. While the pasta cooks, Italian sausage is browned with diced red bell peppers and sliced mushrooms, creating a flavorful meat and vegetable base. Excess fat is drained before mixing this with marinara sauce, half-and-half to add creaminess, and grated Parmesan to enrich the sauce.
Half of the pasta mixture is spread in a greased baking dish and layered with thin slices of fresh mozzarella cheese. Another layer of pasta mixture and mozzarella completes the assembly, which is baked uncovered at 375°F until the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through. The result is a hearty and moist casserole featuring tender pasta, hearty sausage, sweet peppers, mushrooms, and gooey cheese.
This Italian Sausage Pasta Bake is a practical family meal that can be prepared ahead or frozen, delivering satisfying comfort food. The layering of cheeses and sauce keeps the pasta moist without becoming mushy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. rigatoni pasta dry
- 3.5 cups marinara sauce 32 ounce jar
- 2 Tablespoons half-and-half
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese fresh, thinly sliced
- 1 - 1.25 lb. Italian sausage I used Italian turkey sausage, but any variety will work, casings removed
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 8 ounces mushroom sliced
Instructions
- Cook the pasta just until al dente (where it still has some bite). The pasta will continue to bake in the oven later, so you don't want it to be too soft.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet sauté sausage, bell pepper, and mushrooms until sausage is no longer pink, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain.
- Combine sausage mixture with cooked pasta, marinara sauce, half-and-half, and Parmesan.
- Pour half of the pasta mixture into a 13x9-inch baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Layer half of the mozzarella slices on top.
- Add another layer of pasta and a final layer of mozzarella.
- Bake at 375 degrees F, uncovered, for about 25-30 minutes (or until warmed through and cheese is melted).
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 439 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/8 of the casserole | |
| Calories | 439kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 18% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 56mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 1320mg | 55% |
| Potassium | 740mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 1245IU | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 44.3mg | 49% |
| Calcium | 220mg | 22% |
| Iron | 7.6mg | 42% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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