Description
Hearty Italian sausage casserole delivers comfort and robust flavors in one satisfying dish. Savory ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings. Comfort awaits you with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz (227 g) uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 1 (24 oz/680 g) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees fahrenheit, creating an optimal baking environment for the pasta casserole.
- Pasta Foundation: Cook pasta to al dente perfection, drain thoroughly, and reserve for later assembly.
- Sausage and Vegetable Medley: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown sausage into crumbly fragments, then introduce onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until vegetables become tender and release their aromatic essence.
- Sauce Development: Integrate marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning into the skillet. Simmer the mixture to meld flavors, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the taste profile.
- Cheese Integration: Combine cooked pasta with the robust sauce in a spacious mixing bowl. Fold in half the mozzarella and entire portion of parmesan, ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients.
- Baking Preparation: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly. Generously top with remaining mozzarella, creating a golden cheese crust.
- Final Touches: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the casserole is piping hot and cheese becomes a molten, bubbling blanket. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish before serving.
Notes
- Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baked, ensuring a perfect tender bite that holds up beautifully in the casserole.
- Manage Sausage Fat: Use lean Italian sausage or drain excess grease after browning to keep the dish from becoming overly greasy and maintain a balanced flavor profile.
- Customize Cheese Melt: Allow cheese to reach golden, bubbly perfection by placing the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes if additional browning is desired, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives, use plant-based sausage for vegetarian version, or substitute low-fat cheese for a lighter, health-conscious rendition of this comforting classic.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg