Italian Sausage Cheese Bake (Printer-Friendly)
Comforting dish with Italian sausage, pasta, and gooey cheese baked until golden and bubbly.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
8 ounces dried pasta (rigatoni or any short cut)
→ Meat
02 -
1 pound Italian sausage (spicy, mild, or sweet)
→ Aromatics
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
04 -
2 cups pasta sauce
→ Cheese
05 -
1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided
→ Herbs
06 -
2 tablespoons fresh basil
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
02 -
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta for 3 minutes less than the package directions, then drain and set aside.
03 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
04 -
Add the minced garlic to the sausage and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
05 -
Pour in the pasta sauce, stir to combine, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 -
Add the cooked pasta and 3/4 cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese to the sauce and sausage mixture. Stir until thoroughly combined.
07 -
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Mozzarella cheese evenly on top, cover, and bake for approximately 30 minutes until hot and bubbly with melted cheese.
08 -
Remove from oven, top with fresh basil, and serve warm.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Undercook pasta slightly as it will continue to cook in the sauce and oven, preventing mushiness.
02 -
Use your preferred pasta sauce, whether store-bought or homemade.
03 -
The casserole can be assembled in advance and refrigerated or frozen for later baking.
04 -
For a golden cheese crust, remove the cover during the last few minutes and broil briefly.