Sausage Pepper Pasta Bake

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave something warm and cheesy? This Italian Hot Dish is the ultimate comfort. It's savory, satisfying, and tastes amazing!

Brief Overview

This Italian casserole , a.k.a Sausage pasta bake , is inspired by classic Italian-American flavors. It’s simple, takes about an hour, and serves 6-8 hungry folks. Perfect for sharing!

Main Benefits

This baked pasta dish is packed with protein and veggies. Enjoy this cheesy beef casserole on a chilly evening. It is also perfect for a casual get-together with friends.

Sausage Pepper Pasta Bake Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) penne pasta
• 4 quarts (4 liters) water
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) salt
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 pound (450g) sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28 ounce / 800g) can crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup (120 ml) tomato paste
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 15 ounces (425g) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

• Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Brown the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add onion and bell peppers; cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using); cook for 1 minute more.
• Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper.
• Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
• In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
• Combine the cooked pasta with the remaining sauce.
• Spread half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish.
• Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
• Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
• Repeat layers with remaining pasta, ricotta, and mozzarella.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
• Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:20-25g

Fiber:3-4g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Italian-American

The Story Behind This Comfort Food Casserole

Honestly, I first made this after a really long day. I wanted something easy, but satisfying. Something that would feel like a hug in a bowl.

You know? And that's how it was born. Now, this weeknight casserole recipe is a staple in my house.

My first try, I almost messed up the pasta. Don't overcook it! Al dente is key. Trust me on this one.

The crispy cheese on top makes it feel very special and very comforting.

What You Need for This Italian Casserole

Let's gather what you need to make this pepper pasta bake magical.

• 1 pound (450g) penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 pound (450g) sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28 ounce / 800g) can crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup (120 ml) tomato paste
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 15 ounces (425g) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese

I always make sure I've got everything ready. It makes the cooking process so much easier and less stressful.

Getting Started: Time to Cook!

Now that we have our ingredients, it is time to create an easy Italian dinner . It is going to be so delicious.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cookin'!

Alright, let's talk about what you need to make this amazing Italian Hot Dish happen! Seriously, it's easier than you think.

Think of it as a super-charged pasta bake recipe , perfect for a chilly evening. This is proper comfort food casserole territory.

Honestly? You will be eating this Italian Casserole all week.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

• Penne Pasta: 1 pound (450g). Look for pasta that holds its shape well. Nobody likes mushy pasta!
• Water: 4 quarts (4 liters). Loads of water to make sure the pasta isn't sticky.
• Salt: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Yeah, that seems like a lot. It's to season the pasta.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Extra virgin is always a good shout.
• Sweet Italian Sausage: 1 pound (450g). Get good quality sausage. It makes all the difference in this sausage pasta bake .
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup / 150g).
• Red Bell Pepper: 1 , seeded and chopped (about 1 cup / 150g).
• Green Bell Pepper: 1 , seeded and chopped (about 1 cup / 150g).
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, you know?
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
• Dried Basil: ½ teaspoon .
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). For a little kick.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce / 800g) can.
• Tomato Paste: ½ cup (120 ml). For that rich tomato flavor.
• Chicken Broth: ½ cup (120 ml). Adds depth.
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon . Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (425g). Full fat is the way to go.
• Large Egg: 1 , lightly beaten. To bind the ricotta.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (30g). For that salty, cheesy goodness.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups (225g). You want that crispy cheese action.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town, Population: You

This Pepper Pasta Bake is all about the flavor! Don't be shy with the seasonings! Oregano and basil are your key Italian herbs.

Red pepper flakes add a nice bit of heat, but you can skip them if you're not into spice. Salt and pepper are your best friends here.

Taste as you go and adjust to your liking. Honestly, I sometimes add a pinch of sugar to the sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Also, don't forget your favorite flavor enhancers and aromatics .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Silly

• Large Pot: For cooking the pasta. A big one!
• Large Skillet: For the sausage and pepper filling. Get one that can handle the heat.
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish: The vessel for your baked pasta dish .
• Colander: For draining the pasta. Essential!

Don't have a fancy baking dish? No worries! A casserole dish will work just fine. Honestly, you can even use a sturdy foil pan if you're feeling lazy.

The most important thing is to get this beef casserole in the oven and enjoy the glorious easy Italian dinner .

If it doesn't fit in your largest skillet, just do it in batches. You know? No biggie.

Sausage & Pepper Pasta Bake: Italian Comfort Food

Oh my gosh, you guys, I'm so excited to share this recipe! I've been craving some serious comfort food casserole lately.

You know, the kind that just hugs you from the inside out? This Sausage & Pepper Pasta Bake totally hits the spot.

It's an Italian casserole dream come true. Think beef casserole goodness, with a Crispy Cheese topping!

Seriously, picture this: juicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, a tangy tomato sauce, all nestled with perfectly cooked pasta and blanketed in gooey mozzarella.

It's an Easy Italian dinner that’s ready in under an hour! Who wouldn't love a pasta bake recipe ?

Prep Like a Pro for the Best Baked Pasta Dish

Before we dive in, let's talk mise en place , which is just a fancy way of saying "get your stuff together.

" Chop your onion and peppers, mince that garlic, and measure out your spices. Honestly, prepping everything first makes the whole process way less stressful.

For real, getting organized saves time and prevents you from burning the garlic while you're scrambling to find the oregano.

I learned that the hard way!

From Kitchen to Table: A Sausage Pasta Bake

1. First, cook 1 pound (450g) of penne pasta until al dente. Don't overcook it! It will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.
2. Next, brown 1 pound (450g) of Italian sausage in a skillet. Drain the grease. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 chopped bell peppers . Cook until softened. Then, stir in the minced garlic , oregano , basil , and red pepper flakes (optional) . Cook for 1 minute .
3. Add crushed tomatoes , tomato paste , chicken broth , and sugar . Simmer for 15 minutes , stirring occasionally.
4. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese , egg , Parmesan cheese , salt , and pepper . This will be our creamy filling.
5. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Layer sauce, pasta, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese in a baking dish. Repeat!
6. Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until bubbly and golden.
7. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Top Tips: Elevate Your Italian Casserole

Want to take this pepper pasta bake to the next level? Here are a few of my secrets. Don't skip browning the sausage! This adds tons of flavor.

Make sure you use good quality cheese. Crispy Cheese is a must for this. Honestly, it will make such a difference! A common mistake? Overcooking the pasta.

Remember, al dente is key! This is an amazing Weeknight casserole recipe to cook.

Enjoy your delicious Italian Hot Dish !

Recipe Notes for Your Awesome Italian Hot Dish

Alright, let's chat about some extra bits for this Italian Hot Dish , aka your next family fave! I'm thinking this Sausage Pasta Bake will soon be on regular rotation.

Serving Up Style

Plating and presentation ideas

Honestly, this Comfort Food Casserole looks amazing just straight from the oven. But, if you want to be fancy, a sprinkle of fresh parsley never hurts.

A dollop of extra ricotta cheese adds a creamy touch. Serve it in individual bowls or as a centrepiece.

Think about some sides. A simple green salad is perfect to cut through the richness. A crusty loaf for soaking up all that sauce? Yes, please! For drinks, how about a crisp white wine or even a good old sparkling water?

Saving It For Later

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Baked Pasta Dish keeps well. Once it's completely cooled, cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge.

It'll be good for about 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. I'd recommend cutting it into individual portions first.

Wrap them well in foil or freezer bags. It's usually good for up to 3 months.

Reheating is easy. For fridge leftovers, just microwave it or reheat in the oven until warmed through. Frozen portions need to be thawed overnight in the fridge.

Then, reheat as above. Sometimes it dries out slightly. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep it moist.

Remixing Your Italian Casserole

Variations

Want to switch things up? Go ahead! For a gluten-free version, just use gluten-free pasta. You can easily adapt this Weeknight Casserole Recipe for different dietary needs.

Seasonal ingredients swap? In the summer, use fresh tomatoes and basil. In the fall, add roasted butternut squash. Also, you can easily add other vegetables to boost its nutrition and flavor profile.

Quick Nutritional Breakdown

Nutrition Basics

Okay, let's keep it real simple. A serving of this Pepper Pasta Bake has roughly around 450-550 calories. You're also looking at around 30-35g of protein.

This Beef Casserole is also a good source of carbs for energy. But remember, it’s an estimate. It varies based on ingredients and portion size.

Bonus: This Easy Italian Dinner is packed with veggies. These have essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, the ricotta adds a bit of calcium.

So, there you have it! I hope these extra tips help you make the most amazing Italian Hot Dish. Go on, give it a go. You've got this!