Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a mouthwatering culinary experience? This Classic Cheesy Stuffed Sausage Pasta Bake is not just a meal—it's a flavor-packed journey that combines the rich, hearty taste of Italian sausage with layers of creamy, melted cheese and zesty marinara sauce. Perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing dinner guests, this recipe promises to become your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with browned sausage. Pour in marinara sauce and gently stir to combine, ensuring pasta and sausage are evenly coated.
- Transfer half of the pasta and sausage mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the first layer.
- Top with the remaining pasta and sausage mixture. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- For the most flavorful result, use high-quality Italian sausage and don't be afraid to mix hot and mild varieties for complex taste.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking. The residual heat and sauce will continue to soften the pasta.
- Let the dish rest after baking for 5-10 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes serving much easier and neater.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the ricotta mixture or sprinkling some red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can assemble it completely and refrigerate, then bake when ready—just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 110mg
