Sausage and Pepper Pasta Bake
Dive into the ultimate comfort food with this hearty Sausage and Pepper Pasta Bake, a crowd-pleasing recipe that's bursting with bold Italian flavors. Perfectly al dente penne or rigatoni is smothered in a rich, savory tomato sauce infused with sweet bell peppers, aromatic garlic, and tender chunks of Italian sausage. Layered with gooey melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a golden, bubbly finish, this baked pasta dish is pure perfection straight from the oven. Simple to prepare and featuring customizable spice levels with mild or spicy sausage, it's an ideal weeknight dinner or a star dish for family gatherings. Garnished with fresh basil, this irresistible casserole celebrates classic Italian comfort with every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Combine the drained pasta and sausage-pepper sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the pasta. Layer the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the cheeses.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil (if using) and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
552 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.0 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.5 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 1496 mg | 65% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.2 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.5 g | ||
| Protein | 30.2 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 402 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 712 mg | 15% | |
*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.
