Italian Rotini Casserole

Turn dinner into a comforting Italian feast with this hearty Italian Rotini Casserole! Packed with tender rotini pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce, this dish is layered with gooey mozzarella and nutty Parmesan cheese for the ultimate baked pasta experience. Perfectly portioned for six, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner or potluck favorite that’s ready in under an hour. Aromatic garlic, sweet diced onion, and a medley of Italian herbs bring authentic flavors, while a touch of red pepper flakes adds optional heat. Topped with fresh parsley, this cheesy, baked casserole is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Serve this crowd-pleasing dish with a side of garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sauce, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 2 more minutes.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce. Stir until the pasta is fully coated.

Step 8

Spread half of the pasta mixture in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.

Step 9

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2036 grams (2036.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3692

Total Fat 178.70g	229%
Saturated Fat 70.60g	353%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 467mg	156%
Sodium 7766mg	338%
Total Carbohydrate 331.30g	120%
Dietary Fiber 26.80g	96%
Total Sugars 44.40g
Protein 190.10g	380%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2515mg	193%
Iron 25mg	140%
Potassium 4147mg	88%

*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: 43.5%

Protein: 20.6%

Carbs: 35.9%