Easy Italian Bake Recipe
This Easy Italian Bake is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s loaded with flavors from Italian sausage, pasta, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese. Let’s get started with this simple and tasty recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Mild or spicy, according to your preference
- 1 medium onion: Chopped
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 oz pasta: Ziti, penne, or rigatoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley: Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Break it into small pieces with a spatula.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce. Mix until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and 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 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Easy Italian Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Mild or spicy according to your preference
- 1 medium onion: Chopped
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes: Drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 oz pasta: Ziti penne, or rigatoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley: Chopped for garnish
Instructions
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Mild or spicy, according to your preference
- 1 medium onion: Chopped
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 oz pasta: Ziti, penne, or rigatoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley: Chopped, for garnish
Tips for a Perfect Italian Bake
- Pasta Choice: Use pasta that holds sauce well, such as ziti, penne, or rigatoni.
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like provolone or Fontina for added flavor.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra nutrients and texture.
- Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving (makes about 6 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 20g
These values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
Conclusion
This Easy Italian Bake is a fantastic choice for a simple and flavorful dinner. With its layers of pasta, savory sausage, and melted cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the comforting taste of Italian cuisine with this easy-to-make dish.
Happy cooking! 🇮🇹🍝
Pro Tip: Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Do you have any other favorite Italian dishes? Let’s explore more delicious recipes together!