Weeknight • Pasta
Creamy Tomato and Sausage Pasta Bake
A comforting, cheesy baked pasta dish with a rich tomato sauce, savory sausage, and tender pasta.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Servings
- 6
- Level
- Weeknight
Advertisement
Sometimes, you just need a big ol' hug in a bowl, and this Creamy Tomato and Sausage Pasta Bake delivers just that! It's an unbelievably comforting dish that brings together al dente pasta, a luscious tomato sauce, and hearty sausage all topped with melted cheese. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers all week!
Ingredients
Yield: 6 servings
Main
- 1 lb short pasta (e.g., penne, rigatoni)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and fresh black pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package directions, draining 2 minutes before al dente (it will finish cooking in the oven).
Step 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
Step 3
Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4
Pour in crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 5
Stir in the drained pasta and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine everything in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 6
Top the pasta mixture evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Step 7
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is hot. If desired, broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra golden-brown cheese. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- Add a handful of fresh spinach when stirring in the pasta for some extra greens.
- You can assemble this bake ahead of time and refrigerate it. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based crumble or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
More recipes you'll love
This hearty, bubbly bake combines pillowy gnocchi with savory sausage and a zesty tomato sauce, all topped with melty cheese.
Plump potato gnocchi and savory sausage swim in a rich, velvety tomato sauce for a comforting dish.
A bright and creamy pasta dish with fresh lemon, fragrant dill, and a hint of garlic.