Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

September 27, 2022
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This hearty Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake is the perfect recipe for those busy weeknights! It only requires a few simple ingredients and can even be made days in advance!

Shot of baked cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake in a casserole dish beautifuleatsandthings.com

Is anyone else excited that Fall is finally here?? After experiencing record-breaking high temperatures in the South, I’m so glad that it’s finally time to break out those warm and cozy recipes, such as this Cheesy Italian Pasta Bake!

We love pasta in our home, but sometimes making a tasty pasta dish can be a little time consuming. Luckily, this Cheesy Italian Pasta Bake only requires a few simple ingredients and it’s very simple to prepare.

Want more pasta recipes, try these:

Here’s what you’ll need:

Rigatoni pasta: I love using this pasta because the noodles are very sturdy which means that they can handle all of the other hearty ingredients.

Olive oil: This will be used to cook the bell peppers and onions.

Ground Italian sausage: I usually use mild sausage, but if you prefer a little kick, try using the hot Italian sausage. And if you can’t find the ground Italian sausage, just purchase the links and remove the casings yourself.

Onion: The onions adds so much savory flavor to this recipe!

Bell peppers: I like using green bell peppers in this recipe, but if you prefer a sweeter taste, you can use red or orange bell peppers.

Marinara sauce: Choose a high-quality store-bought sauce to help you save time, but if you’re feeling up to it, you can certainly make it from scratch.

Mozzarella cheese: Because everything is better with cheese, right?!

Garlic powder: This adds so much flavor to the recipe.

Salt/pepper: To help bring those flavors together.

How to Make Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

This recipe is a breeze to make! Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Cook the rigatoni pasta per the package directions. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet on medium heat, add in the olive oil and the Italian sausage.

Cook until partially done, stirring frequently. Add in the bell peppers and onions and cook until the sausage is completely cooked through, and the vegetables are soft. Set aside.

Pour the cooked pasta into a 9×13 baking dish, and add in the Italian sausage mixture, marinara sauce, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Season with garlic powder and salt/pepper to taste and stir to combine. Top with the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese and bake for about 30 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve

Can you make this ahead of time?

This dish can be prepared in advance. Simply, assemble the dish, cover, and place in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, allow the dish to sit on the counter and come to room temperature for at least 30-60 minutes before baking. Bake according to the recipe instructions and add additional time if needed.

To freeze:

This Cheesy Italian Pasta Bake can be frozen either before or after baking. I recommend assembling the casserole in advance, in a 9 x 13-inch freezer-safe dish and freezing before baking. Be sure to wrap tightly, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook it, defrost in the refrigerator for 24 hours, then proceed with the ‘make ahead’ instructions above.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover and reheat leftovers in the oven for 25-30 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in a microwave for 2-3 minutes.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

I’d love to know! Please let me know by leaving a review below. Or snap a photo and share it on Instagram; be sure to tag me @beautifuleatsandthings.

Want more pasta recipes, try these:

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