Sausage Pasta Bake
A cheesy, hearty one-pot pasta dish loaded with sausage and marinara—perfect for prepping ahead and baking when you’re ready.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Total Time40 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Keyword: pasta, pasta dinner recipe, quick pasta recipe
Servings: 6
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage mild or sweet, casings removed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley optional
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Boil pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Add garlic and sauté briefly.
Pour in marinara sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in covered portions until heated through.
Top Tips: Undercook the pasta slightly before baking to prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven. Shredding your own cheese gives a creamier melt compared to pre-shredded varieties. The dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.