Weeknight • Pasta
Creamy Tomato Sausage Pasta Bake
A comforting pasta bake with savory sausage, creamy tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese, perfect for a family dinner.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Servings
- 6
- Level
- Weeknight
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Get ready for a crowd-pleasing classic that's perfect for cozy nights in! This Creamy Tomato Sausage Pasta Bake is everything you love about a hearty pasta dish – savory sausage, a rich and velvety tomato sauce, and lots of gooey cheese – all layered and baked to golden perfection. It's truly a hug in a casserole dish!
Ingredients
Yield: 6 servings
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 oz short pasta (e.g., penne, rigatoni), cooked al dente
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3
Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Step 4
Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 6
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
Step 7
Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips
- Add a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce with the pasta for added greens.
- This bake is great for meal prepping! Assemble it ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to eat, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
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