Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake
Indulge in a comforting Italian pasta bake with succulent Italian sausage, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a rich marinara sauce. This hearty dish combines the creaminess of heavy whipping cream with the robust flavors of herbs and spices, all baked to perfection for a fulfilling meal that brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings!
ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or ziti)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
steps
- 1.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- 3.
In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- 4.
Stir in the marinara sauce, heavy whipping cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the sausage. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- 5.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage mixture. Mix well until pasta is coated.
- 6.
Transfer the pasta and sausage mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 7.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- 8.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- 9.
Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve warm.
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