Cheesy Sausage Pasta Casserole Recipe

This Cheesy Sausage Pasta Casserole is two layers of meaty cheesy goodness with Penne Pasta baked in. This recipe is delicious leftover the next day too.

I have changed my recipe for the Italian sausage pasta bake by using ground sausage instead of ground beef! The flavors in this casserole are scrumptious, especially with cheese melted on top. Comfort food right here!

The kids love baked pasta with sausage and cheese and we do too because it’s an easy recipe that makes plenty for leftovers the next day. Take leftovers for lunch or serve them with a side salad for dinner again the next day. Y’all know, that a pasta casserole is even better the next day like this Easy Lasagna recipe.

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Get out this cookware

• Large skillet
• Large saucepan
• Baking dish (11×7)   

My favorite big skillet is an Emeril Lagasse Stainless Steel Copper bottom. Mine is dishwasher and oven safe.  It is wise to invest in good cookware which will last a lifetime. I recommend stainless steel cookware because it is very durable and easy to clean.

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb. Penne Pasta
• 1 lb. Sage Pork Sausage browned and drained
• 1 24 oz. Jar of Spaghetti Sauce
• 1 tsp. dried Basil
• 1 tsp. dried Oregano
• 1/2 tsp. Garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 (15 oz.) container of Ricotta Cheese
• 2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese divided

Directions

This delicious pasta bake is layers of pasta with spicy sausage meat sauce and cheese baked piping hot.

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on medium-high heat then add the pasta. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, In a large bowl, mix all of the Ricotta and 1 cup of the Mozzarella Cheese and set aside.

Tip

Take the Ricotta cheese out of the refrigerator and allow it to sit on the counter for at least 15 minutes so it will stir easier.

Step 3

Brown the sausage in a large skillet and drain. Return the sausage to the skillet. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and the seasonings.

Step 4

Allow the mixture to cook on medium heat just until it begins to bubble. Stir and remove it from the heat. Stir in the cooked pasta until the mixture is well blended.

Step 5

Spray your large baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spoon half of the meat and pasta mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.

Top with half of the Ricotta-Mozzarella mixture and spread it evenly across the top using the back of a large spoon.

Create the next layer by adding the remaining meat and pasta mixture. Top the meat mixture with the remaining cheese and spread it across the top.

Step 6

Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted. Remove from oven. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top and return to the oven just long enough to melt the cheese. Remove from the oven. Serve and enjoy.

Side Dishes to Serve with pasta bake

• Fresh Green Bean Salad with Feta
• Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe
• Sliced Italian Bread with Italian Butter
• Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
• Baked Stuffed Potatoes with Mushrooms & Onions

This baked pasta with sausage casserole is an easy family dinner, and bonafide comfort food loaded with flavor and cheesy satisfaction. Serve your favorite garlic bread on the side with a salad for a complete meal.

One-dish dinners make it easy for me to serve my family a weeknight meal around the table. I like to put the casserole dish in the middle of the table along with a big serving spoon. The conversations around the table are always lively when the food is good. 

More Pasta Recipes

• Crockpot Broccoli, Sausage & Pasta Casserole is another kid-friendly dinner recipe.
• Lemon Shrimp Penne Pasta Dinner with Broccoli
• Hawaiian Pasta Salad
• Tuna Pasta Salad Easy Recipe
• Broccoli Bow Tie Pasta Dish

Updated 1/30/23

Thank you for sharing!