Italian Style Sausage Pasta Bake

Cheesy and hearty this Italian style sausage pasta bake comes together with simple ingredients for a crowd pleasing meal that is easy enough for weeknights but satisfying enough for Sunday dinner. The creamy tomato sauce hugs each bite of tender pasta mixing with savory sausage and the indulgence of bubbling cheese. This is the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen feel like an Italian trattoria especially when shared with family at the table

I whipped this up on a chilly evening when we wanted something simple but comforting and now it is our go to for cozy nights. Even picky eaters usually ask for seconds

Ingredients

• Pasta: like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce in every nook and cranny look for bronze cut shapes for best texture
• Sausages: pork and beef add richness and bold flavor choose high quality with visible herbs and spices
• Tomato passata: creates a smooth velvety tomato base avoid brands with added sugar
• Heavy cream: enriches the sauce for a silkier finish always use full fat for creaminess
• Mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and gives the iconic cheese pull shred it fresh for best melt
• Parmesan cheese: adds salty tang and umami try to grate just before using for best flavor
• Bacon (optional): for smoky depth choose thick cut for meaty bites
• Onion and garlic: form the savory backbone use yellow or sweet onion and fresh garlic
• Fennel seeds: infuse a gentle anise note that is classic to Italian sausage toast lightly if you can
• Salt and pepper: highlight all the flavors use kosher salt or flaky sea salt for pure taste
• Fresh parsley or basil: garnish with these for a burst of color and herbal freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the pasta Stir occasionally and cook until al dente which usually means shaving off 1 to 2 minutes from the box directions Drain well so the sauce can cling to the noodles

Cook the Sausages and Bacon:

Place diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat let it render slowly so it crisps up and the fat flavors the pan Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside Add sliced sausages to the same pan browning them deeply on both sides until fully cooked This browning builds deep flavor Remove sausage and set aside

Make the Sauce:

Using the same skillet lower the heat to medium and add diced onion and minced garlic Stir frequently scraping up flavorful bits Cook until the onions turn translucent and fragrant Pour in the tomato passata cream and fennel seeds Then season with salt and pepper Simmer the sauce gently for 5 minutes stirring so everything melds together

Combine and Bake:

In a large baking dish gently mix the cooked pasta sausage bacon and finished sauce Make sure everything is evenly coated Layer the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top so every bite gets cheesy coverage

Bake:

Slide the dish into a preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes The cheese will melt to oozy perfection and bubble at the edges If you like it even more golden broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes Scatter fresh parsley or basil over before bringing it to the table

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I absolutely love the way the fennel seeds wake up the whole dish with that almost sweet herbal aroma Whenever I make this it reminds me of Sunday lunches with my siblings everyone reaching for the crusty corners of cheese

Storage Tips

Let the pasta bake cool completely before storing Cover tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days If reheating a full dish do so gently in a low oven with a splash of milk to keep it creamy Individual servings can go in the microwave with an extra sprinkle of water or cream

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any sausage you love from spicy Italian to chicken mix it up for variety Swap heavy cream for half and half if needed or use extra tomato passata for a lighter version Mozzarella can be replaced with fontina or provolone Both parsley and basil work for garnish or leave it plain if you prefer

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Serving Suggestions

This pasta bake is filling on its own but even better with a simple green salad Brighten things up with a vinegary dressing and toss in some olives or roasted peppers Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is always a hit on the side

Cultural and Historical Context

The Italian American tradition of baked pasta often brings together elements from various regions like creamy sauces from the north and boldly flavored sausages from the south It is the marriage of pantry staples and comfort food heritage a dish that feels timeless yet adaptable

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Penne, ziti, rigatoni, or elicoidali hold up well to baking and absorb the sauce nicely.

→ Can I substitute the sausage type?

Yes, you can use chicken or turkey sausages, or even a plant-based variety for a lighter alternative.

→ Is bacon necessary in this bake?

Bacon adds a smoky depth but is optional. You can leave it out for a simpler flavor profile.

→ How do I achieve a perfect cheesy topping?

Evenly sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the pasta before baking for a golden, bubbly finish.

→ Which herbs make the best garnish?

Fresh parsley or basil provide a bright, aromatic touch right before serving.