Italian Sausage Casserole (Print Version)
Hearty Italian sausage with pasta and mozzarella baked to bubbly perfection, topped with fresh basil.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
8 ounces dried pasta (rigatoni or any short cut)
→ Meat
02 -
1 pound Italian sausage (mild, sweet, or spicy)
→ Aromatics
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
04 -
2 cups pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)
→ Cheese
05 -
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
→ Herbs
06 -
2 tablespoons fresh basil (optional)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Set the oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to preheat.
02 -
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta for 3 minutes less than the package's recommended time to maintain firmness. Drain and set aside.
03 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
04 -
Add minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
05 -
Pour in the pasta sauce, stir to combine, and simmer the mixture for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 -
Add the cooked pasta and three-quarters of the shredded mozzarella to the sausage and sauce mixture. Stir until evenly combined.
07 -
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, cover, and bake for approximately 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 -
Remove from the oven, top with fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately.
# Extra Tips & Details:
01 -
Undercook pasta slightly to prevent over-softening since it will continue cooking in the sauce and oven.
02 -
This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated or frozen; thaw completely before baking.
03 -
Using fresh basil adds a bright, complementary flavor.