What type of pasta works best in Italian Sausage Casserole?

Short-cut pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or rotini are ideal for Italian Sausage Casserole. These shapes hold the sauce well and prevent the pasta from becoming dry. Rigatoni is often recommended because its ridged tubes allow the sauce to seep inside, enhancing every bite. Avoid long strands like spaghetti, which don’t mix as evenly in a baked casserole dish.

Can I use different kinds of Italian sausage in the casserole?

Yes, both mild and spicy Italian sausages are suitable for the casserole. Spicy sausage adds a bolder flavor, while mild or sweet varieties produce a more subtle taste. You can also mix types to balance heat and richness. Just be sure to cook the sausage thoroughly before assembling the casserole.

Should the pasta be fully cooked before baking the casserole?

It’s best to partially cook the pasta by boiling it for about 3 minutes less than the package instructions. This undercooked pasta will finish cooking during baking as it absorbs moisture from the sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy and maintaining a pleasant texture.

How far in advance can I prepare Italian Sausage Casserole?

You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator until baking. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. If frozen, allow the casserole to thaw at room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Italian Sausage Casserole?

Italian Sausage Casserole pairs nicely with fresh sides like a green salad, crusty garlic bread, or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or zucchini. These lighter accompaniments balance the richness of the casserole and complete the meal.

Italian Sausage Casserole With Cheese And Vegetables Recipe

Name: Italian Sausage Casserole
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: – 8 oz dried pasta; – 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy preferred, but mild or sweet can be used); – 2 cloves garlic, minced; – 2 cups pasta sauce; – 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; – 2 tablespoons fresh basil (optional)

Description

🌭 Italian Sausage Casserole combines savory cheese with hearty vegetables for a comforting and fulfilling meal.
🧀 This casserole is easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients

– 8 oz dried pasta

– 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy preferred, but mild or sweet can be used)

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 cups pasta sauce

– 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

– 2 tablespoons fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

1-Preheat oven to 350º F to get things warm and ready for baking.

2-Boil a large pot of water and cook the pasta for 3 minutes less than package instructions, then drain and set aside to keep it from getting too soft later.

3-In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, breaking it apart, until no longer pink, and drain excess grease to avoid a greasy finish.

4-Add minced garlic to the sausage and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, which brings out a great aroma.

5-Pour pasta sauce into the meat mixture and simmer for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors blend well.

6-Add cooked pasta and 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese to the sauce mixture and combine well for an even mix.

7-Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese to create that melty layer on top.

8-Cover and bake for about 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and hot, making sure it’s perfectly done.

9-Optionally, remove the cover and broil or bake a few more minutes to brown the cheese for a nice finish.

10-Garnish with fresh basil when serving to add a touch of color and flavor.

Notes

🍝 Undercook pasta by 3 minutes to avoid mushy texture after baking.
❄️ Assemble casserole in advance; refrigerate up to 1 day or freeze up to 3 months (thaw before baking).
🧀 For extra flavor, top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 507 calories
Sugar: 4 grams
Sodium: 1118 mg
Fat: 31 grams
Saturated Fat: 12 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 17 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 34 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Protein: 23 grams
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: italian sausage casserole, cheesy casserole, hearty pasta bake, savory sausage dish