Italian Sausage and Pasta Bake Recipe

When pasta is combined with Italian sausage, it gives dishes a flavor that is hearty, rich and authentically Italian. In this Italian sausage and pasta bake dish, all the ingredients come together to make a lasagna like meal that is both filling and delicious. Read on to find out how you can make it for your hungry crew.

Italian Sausage and Pasta Bake

To make the recipe, start with 1-pound mild Italian sausage. Remove the casings and cut into ½ inch pieces.

Next, cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes. Drain the fat from the pan.

Add 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 red pepper and 1 green pepper chopped. Cook 5 minutes.

Add 14 ½ oz. canned Italian style tomatoes and 6 oz. tomato paste. Mix well.

Stir in 8 oz of ziti cooked and drained, 1 tbsp. dried basil and 1 cup shredded Italian cheese.

Transfer to a 13×9 baking dish. Cover and bake in an oven preheated to 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

Uncover and sprinkle remaining cheese over the casserole. Bake about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Once the dish comes out of the oven, it will have a layered consistency that features the flavors in every bite. Also, because various food groups are included, there is no need for a side. Just dig in and serve as is.

If a side is preferred, a nice light salad will complement the dish perfectly.

Of course, the combination of tomato sauce, pasta and any meat will give any dish a great Italian flavoring but it’s the use of Italian sausage that sets this dish apart.

Italian sausage is a type of pork sausage that gets its distinct taste from the fennel spice that is added. Additional spices can also be included. For instance, hot red pepper can be added to make the sausage hot or sweet basil can be added to make it mild and sweet.

Experiment with different types of sausage to give your pasta bake a unique flavor.

Pasta Bake with Sausage

Because pasta and sausage make such a great combination, there are several dishes that use both ingredients. In the case of pasta bakes, here are a few that include sausage. Hopefully these variations will inspire you to bring new meals to your family’s table.

Sausage Spinach Pasta Bake: This is a healthy variation that uses whole wheat pasta and turkey sausage instead of pork.

To make the recipe, start by preparing 1 lb. package whole wheat spiral pasta according to package directions.

Next cook 1 lb. turkey sausage links with 1 medium onion over medium heat. Add 5 cloves minced garlic.

Stir in 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 tsp. oregano, 1 tsp. dried basil and ¼ tsp. pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.

Drain pasta and stir into turkey mixture. Add 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and ½ cup half and half cream.

Transfer to a 13×9 baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese and bake uncovered 25-30 minutes.

Three Cheese Spicy Sausage Bake: To make this recipe, start by heating 2 tbs. oil in a saucepan. Add 4 cloves garlic and ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes. Cook 2 minutes.

Next add 2 cans plum tomatoes and 1 cup water. Increase heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and add 4 large fresh basil sprigs. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Discard basil and stir in 1 cup chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper.

Heat remaining 1 tbsp. oil in a large skillet. Add 1-pound spicy Italian sausage and cook until brown. Transfer to a large bowl.

Cook 1 lb. rigatoni until al dente and add it to the bowl with the sausage.

Add tomato sauce and about ¾ cup of mozzarella, provolone and Parmesan each to the bowl.

Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with another ¾ of each cheese.

Bake uncovered 15 minutes. Let pasta rest another 10 minutes before serving.

If you love pasta and sausage, the two ingredients together will make the base of a delicious meal. Hopefully this article has inspired you with some great ideas for recipes you can make for your family. How will you be including these foods in your dinner tonight?

If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to check out our Summertime Chicken and our  Sweet and Saucy Chicken.

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