Italian Sausage Casserole (Printer-Friendly)
Savory Italian sausage and pasta baked with tangy sauce, melted cheese, and fresh basil for a hearty meal.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
8 oz dried pasta (any short shape, such as rigatoni)
→ Meat
02 -
1 pound Italian sausage
→ Aromatics
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
04 -
2 cups pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)
→ Cheese
05 -
1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
→ Herbs
06 -
2 tablespoons fresh basil (optional)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Set the oven temperature to 350°F.
02 -
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta for 3 minutes less than the package instructions to maintain a firm texture. Drain and set aside.
03 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
04 -
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
05 -
Pour the pasta sauce into the skillet, stir to combine, and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
06 -
Stir the cooked pasta and 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella into the sauce until well incorporated.
07 -
Transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, cover, and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
08 -
Remove the casserole from the oven, top with fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Undercook the pasta slightly as it will finish cooking in the sauce during baking to avoid mushiness.
02 -
This dish can be assembled ahead, refrigerated, and baked the next day or frozen for up to 3 months.
03 -
Fresh basil enhances flavor and adds freshness when sprinkled on top after baking.