This Italian Bake is a hearty and comforting dish that combines layers of pasta, rich marinara sauce, savory meats, and a blend of delicious cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner or gathering, it’s sure to please everyone at the table!
📋 Ingredients:
For the Bake:
- 🍝 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 🍖 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 🧅 1 onion, chopped
- 🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍅 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 🍅 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, drained
- 🧂 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 🧂 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 🌿 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 🧀 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 🧀 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
📝 Instructions:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Calories per Serving: 450
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. 🔥 - Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. 🍝 - Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. 🍖 - Add Onion and Garlic:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes. 🧅🧄 - Add Sauce and Seasonings:
Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes. 🍅🧂 - Combine Pasta and Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage and sauce mixture. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. 🌿 - Layer the Bake:
Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. 🧀 - Repeat Layers:
Spread the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. 🧀 - Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. ⏲️ - Serve:
Let the Italian Bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy! 😋
💡 Notes:
- Feel free to add other ingredients like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Just increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes if baking from cold.
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy your delicious Italian Bake! 🇮🇹✨