Sausage Peppers and Pasta Casserole
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Sausage Peppers and Pasta Casserole, a hearty and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Featuring tender penne pasta smothered in a robust tomato sauce with savory Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers, and aromatic garlic, this casserole is layered with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a gooey, golden-topped finish. The addition of Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, and fresh basil brings an irresistible depth of flavor. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a cozy bake in the oven, this one-dish wonder is both satisfying and simple to prepare. Serve it fresh from the oven for an oozy, cheesy delight, and watch it become a household favorite! Perfect for make-ahead meals or leftovers, this pasta casserole is as versatile as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 12 ounces Penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium Green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium Yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, and cook until fully browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute, stirring frequently.
Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, then simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Stir the cooked sausage and fresh basil into the sauce mixture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta and sausage-tomato mixture. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
541 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.2 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.6 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 1340 mg | 58% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.5 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.9 g | ||
| Protein | 30.2 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 397 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 781 mg | 17% | |
*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.
