Hot Italian Sausage Casserole
Hearty, comforting, and bursting with bold flavors, this Hot Italian Sausage Casserole is the ultimate dinner dish for spice lovers. Tender penne pasta is coated in a rich, tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a kick of red pepper flakes. Juicy, browned hot Italian sausage takes center stage, layered with gooey, melty mozzarella and nutty Parmesan for the perfect cheesy finish. This casserole is baked to bubbling perfection and garnished with fresh basil for a touch of brightness. Quick to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd, this easy-to-make baked pasta casserole is a weeknight dinner staple or an irresistible addition to any casual gathering. Whether you're craving comfort food or looking for a standout meal idea, this cheesy sausage pasta bake will satisfy every craving!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Add the hot Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the sausage sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and spread half of the pasta mixture into the bottom.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the first layer, then add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving. Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3234 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 186.2 g | 239% | |
| Saturated Fat | 82.2 g | 411% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 527 mg | 176% | |
| Sodium | 9250 mg | 402% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 205.8 g | 75% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.8 g | 74% | |
| Total Sugars | 56.3 g | ||
| Protein | 201.7 g | 403% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2368 mg | 182% | |
| Iron | 12.6 mg | 70% | |
| Potassium | 3050 mg | 65% | |
*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.
