Print

Creamy Italian Sausage Marry Me Pasta Bake

creamy italian sausage marry me pasta bake - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy creamy pasta bake featuring Italian sausage, marinara, and a luscious cream sauce topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340g) of penne and cook until just al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage to a bowl but leave drippings in the pan.
  4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour 2 cups marinara sauce into the skillet. Stir and let simmer gently for 5 minutes.
  6. Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  7. Return cooked sausage to the sauce. Add drained pasta and toss gently to coat evenly.
  8. Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 8×8 inch baking dish. Top with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
  9. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
  10. Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta during boiling or baking to avoid mushiness. Drain excess grease from sausage if too fatty. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Grate cheese fresh for best melting. Cover loosely with foil during baking to retain moisture if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta bake, Italian sausage, creamy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta bake, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/creamy-italian-sausage-marry-me-pasta-bake-recipe-easy-and-delicious/