Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake (Easy Weeknight Dinner)

Sharing is caring!

When the week gets busy, this Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake is my go-to. Grilled Italian sausage, tender shell pasta, tomato basil sauce, and gooey mozzarella all come together in one easy casserole the whole family will love.

There’s nothing fussy about it. With just five ingredients, it’s the kind of comfort food you can make on a weeknight and still feel like you put something special on the table. Grilling the sausage first adds a smoky flavor you won’t get from browning it in a skillet.

Treat this recipe as a starting point. Use hot sausage if you like a kick, swap in your favorite pasta shape, or pile on extra cheese. It’s your dinner, so make it your own!.

Ingredients

For this easy Italian main dish, you need the following ingredients:

• 12 ounces sausage
• 3 cups pasta uncooked (I used Conchiglie)
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 24 ounces tomato & basil spaghetti sauce
• 3 fresh basil leaves

How To Make Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

1. Grill the sausage. Grill your Italian sausage links over medium heat, turning often, until they reach 160°F inside. While the sausage cooks, boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. It will keep cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it.

1. Slice the sausage. Let the sausage rest for a couple of minutes, then cut it into ½-inch slices.

1. Combine everything. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Stir in the sliced sausage, the spaghetti sauce, and the basil, cut using a chiffonade technique.

1. Add the cheese. Stir in about half of the shredded mozzarella. Pour the pasta into a baking dish and sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top. (I once tried fresh mozzarella, and it turned out too clumpy. Shredded mozzarella melts much more evenly.)
2. Bake. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for the Best Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

• Undercook the pasta slightly. Drain it a minute or two before it reaches al dente. It finishes cooking in the oven and won’t turn mushy.
• Choose your heat level. Mild Italian sausage keeps it kid-friendly. Hot Italian sausage adds a nice kick.
• Short on time? Skip the grill and brown 12 ounces of bulk Italian sausage in a skillet, then drain off the grease.
• Pick a pasta that holds sauce. Shells, penne, rigatoni and ziti all trap the sauce and cheese.
• Add a Parmesan finish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the mozzarella before baking for a golden, savory top.
• Sneak in veggies. Stir in a handful of fresh spinach, sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms with the sauce.

Storage and Make-Ahead

• Refrigerate: Cool leftovers and refrigerate within 2 hours. Store covered for 3 to 4 days.
• Reheat: Add a splash of water or sauce, cover with foil, and warm in the oven until hot. Or microwave single portions.
• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole and stop before baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time, since it goes in cold.
• Freeze: Wrap the cooled, baked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

If pasta night is a regular at your house, you’ll want to try a few more of my favorites. My Easy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake is another family-friendly casserole, and The Best Cheesy Stuffed Shells are perfect for cheese lovers. For a little heat, try my Spicy Arrabiata Penne, or go all in on comfort with my Cheesy Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta and Mozzarella.

FAQs

Can I use ground Italian sausage instead of links?

Yes. Brown 12 ounces of bulk Italian sausage in a skillet, drain off the grease, and stir it in with the pasta and sauce. You’ll lose a little of the smoky grilled flavor, but it saves time.

Do I need to cover the pasta bake while it’s in the oven?

There’s no need if you’re baking it right away. Leave it uncovered so the cheese can melt and brown. If you’re baking it straight from the fridge, cover it with foil for the first half of the baking time so it heats through without drying out.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni and ziti all work well. Cook them until just shy of al dente, so they hold up in the oven.

What should I serve with Italian sausage pasta bake?

Garlic bread and a simple green salad are my favorites. Roasted broccoli or green beans also go well with it.

Last Bite

If you make this Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake, I’d love to hear how it went! Leave a star rating and a comment below, and tell me if you went with mild or hot sausage. Don’t forget to save it to Pinterest so it’s ready for your next busy weeknight.