Make Ahead Italian Sausage and Pasta Bake Recipe Recipe from www.pinterest.com
Introduction
Looking for a delicious and comforting pasta dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd? Then look no further than this sausage pasta bake recipe! This hearty dish is packed with flavor and is sure to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. Plus, it's easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes.
Ingredients
To make this sausage pasta bake, you'll need the following ingredients: - 1 pound of pasta (penne or ziti work well) - 1 pound of Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - 1 jar of marinara sauce - 1 cup of ricotta cheese - 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves of garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano - Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. 2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. 3. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. 4. Add the minced garlic, dried basil, and dried oregano to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute or until the garlic is fragrant. 5. Add the jar of marinara sauce to the skillet and stir to combine with the sausage mixture. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. 6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir to combine. 7. Pour the sausage and marinara sauce mixture over the pasta mixture and stir to combine. 8. Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish and sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top. 9. Bake the pasta for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta is heated through. 10. Remove the pasta from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
This sausage pasta bake recipe serves 6-8 people and has the following nutritional information per serving: - Calories: 534 - Fat: 25g - Carbohydrates: 47g - Fiber: 3g - Protein: 27g
Customizations
One of the great things about this sausage pasta bake recipe is that it's easy to customize to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas to get you started: - Swap out the Italian sausage for ground beef, ground turkey, or even sliced chicken sausage. - Add some vegetables to the pasta bake, such as diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or chopped spinach. - Use a different type of pasta, such as rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. - Experiment with different types of cheese, such as fontina, provolone, or cheddar. - Add some heat to the dish by using a spicy marinara sauce or adding red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a hearty and delicious pasta dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd, then this sausage pasta bake recipe is sure to please. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a meal that's packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. So why not give it a try today?