Easy Italian Pasta Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Italian Pasta Bake, a family-friendly dish that's as simple to make as it is delicious. Featuring penne pasta tossed in a luscious, creamy marinara sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and just a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, this casserole promises layers of bold flavor. Ground Italian sausage adds savory richness, while a gooey blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses creates the perfect golden crust. Ready in just 45 minutes, this make-ahead-friendly recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Garnished with fresh basil for a burst of color and freshness, this baked pasta masterpiece is a crowd-pleasing classic that’s sure to make your dinner table the star of the evening.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 1 lb Ground Italian sausage
- 24 oz Marinara sauce
- 0.5 cup Heavy cream
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the marinara sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if using. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
594 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 42.7 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.8 g | 94% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 100 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 1404 mg | 61% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.6 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 27.8 g | 56% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 387 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 260 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
