Imagine a dish that combines the hearty richness of Italian sausage, the earthy depth of mushrooms, and the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked pasta - all baked to cheesy, golden perfection. This Baked Sausage Mushroom Rotini isn't just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner or a dish that screams weekend indulgence, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove Italian sausage from its casing and crumble into the skillet.
- Cook sausage, breaking it into small pieces, until it's fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.
- Season the sausage and mushroom mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in marinara sauce and mix thoroughly.
- Add cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and gently combine with the sausage, mushrooms, and marinara sauce.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook your rotini just shy of al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta and ensures a perfect texture.
- Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor. Spicy or mild, the choice is yours - each variant will bring a unique twist to the dish.
- Mushroom Magic: Pat your mushrooms dry before sautéing to ensure they brown nicely and don't release excess water into the dish.
- Cheese Tip: For extra richness, mix some parmesan with the mozzarella or use a blend of cheeses for more complex flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish up to the baking stage and refrigerate, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Garnish Game: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley after baking adds a fresh pop of color and flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
