Description
A quick, budget-friendly, and comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. This sausage pasta bake combines browned Italian sausage, a rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese for a family favorite that tastes better the next day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound uncooked elbow macaroni or penne
- 1.5 pounds Italian sausage (mild or hot, sliced or bulk)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28-ounce) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the sausage. Grate the cheese and measure spices.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it up, until browned and crispy. Remove sausage and set aside, draining excess grease if necessary.
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- While the sauce simmers, boil pasta in salted water until al dente (usually 1 minute less than package directions). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the sauce on the bottom. Add the cooked pasta and browned sausage. Pour remaining sauce over the top and stir gently. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the mixture looks dry.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. For a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cook pasta one minute less than package directions as it will continue to cook in the oven. Always shred your own cheese for better melting. Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For a vegetarian version, swap sausage for mushrooms and use vegetable broth. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: sausage pasta bake, easy weeknight dinner, family meals, budget-friendly recipes, one-pan pasta, comfort food, quick dinner ideas