Hot Italian Sausage Casserole

Hearty, comforting, and bursting with bold flavors, this Hot Italian Sausage Casserole is the ultimate dinner dish for spice lovers. Tender penne pasta is coated in a rich, tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a kick of red pepper flakes. Juicy, browned hot Italian sausage takes center stage, layered with gooey, melty mozzarella and nutty Parmesan for the perfect cheesy finish. This casserole is baked to bubbling perfection and garnished with fresh basil for a touch of brightness. Quick to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd, this easy-to-make baked pasta casserole is a weeknight dinner staple or an irresistible addition to any casual gathering. Whether you're craving comfort food or looking for a standout meal idea, this cheesy sausage pasta bake will satisfy every craving!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound hot Italian sausage
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the hot Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the sausage sauce. Mix until evenly coated.

Step 8

Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and spread half of the pasta mixture into the bottom.

Step 9

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the first layer, then add the remaining pasta mixture on top.

Step 10

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12

Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving. Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2032.7 grams (2032.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3917

Total Fat 190.10g	244%
Saturated Fat 78.00g	390%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 583mg	194%
Sodium 9484mg	412%
Total Carbohydrate 338.10g	123%
Dietary Fiber 27.00g	96%
Total Sugars 47.40g
Protein 213.40g	427%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2394mg	184%
Iron 26mg	146%
Potassium 3073mg	65%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.7%

Protein: 21.8%

Carbs: 34.5%