This simple Sausage Pasta Bake recipe is a terrific dinner that takes about 30 minutes to make! It's hearty, cheesy and delicious. The whole family will love this meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight!
Next time, try the Chicken Pierogi Casserole. It's so rich and cheesy!
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Why you'll love this recipe
✔️ This easy recipe only takes 20 minutes to make.
✔️ It's absolutely delicious!
✔️ Even though it has some hidden veggies, it will quickly become a family favorite!!!
Ingredients
You'll only need a handful of simple ingredients. Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- olive oil
- mild Italian sausage
- onion
- mushrooms
- spinach
- penne pasta or ziti pasta
- marinara sauce
- fresh mozzarella cheese
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions for this Simple Sausage Pasta Bake. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions to al dente. Drain well.
- Place large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and the raw sausage meat, diced onions and mushrooms. Cook sausage until no longer pink.
- Add the spinach and pasta sauce. Stir until combined.
- Next add the cooked pasta and half the shredded cheese to the meat sauce. Stir and mix well. If needed add the reserved pasta water about ¼ cup at a time. (I used about a ⅓ cup of pasta water.)
- Spread into one even layer. Top with remaining shredded cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes until it's hot and bubbly.
Equipment
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FAQ's
You will only boil the past until it is al dente. If you cook it until tender, after it finishes in the oven, the pasta will be overcooked.
Baking the sauce into the pasta makes the flavor that much better!
Test kitchen tips
- Don't overcook the pasta.
- Use the reserved pasta water to ensure the pasta is plenty saucy before it goes into the oven.
- Don't use pre-shredded cheese. It doesn't melt as well as freshly shredded cheese.
- This is a terrific make-ahead meal because it tastes even better the next day!
- You can make this in a cast iron skillet, fry pan or a Dutch oven.
- Placing it under the broiler until the cheese is golden brown is my favorite way to finish this pasta dish!
Variations
Lighten up the meal by using ground chicken or turkey. Ground beef would also work for this excellent pasta dinner!
Use hot Italian sausage or a healthy pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer spicy bite!
Storage
Refrigerate - Allow to cool completely. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate 3-4 days.
Freezer - This dish freezes well. Follow the instructions above and then freeze for up to three months. Don't forget to label the container with the name of the dish and the date.
Reheat - Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.
Related recipes
- The Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a great make ahead dinner. It's a meaty, tasty meal.
- You'll love Chicken Spaghetti Recipe - the creamy sauce is the BEST!
- If you like potatoes and cheesy, be sure to try the Hobo Casserole. This is perfect for potlucks and Sunday supper.
- Classic Tuna Casserole Recipe - comfort food at it's best!
- The Burrito Casserole is so simple and so good, it's great for back to school and busy weeknight meals.
Serve with
All you really need to finish this meal is a simple side salad and a loaf of crusty bread or air fryer garlic bread. Dinner is done!
For dessert, this Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe would be a real treat!
Still need to find the perfect side dish? I gotcha! Check out What to Serve with Pasta Bake here.
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If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Italian Sausage Pasta
Equipment
- 12" Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 onion diced
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 4 cups spinach
- 8 ounces penne or ziti pasta about half a box of pasta
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 28 ounces jar pasta sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook the pasta to al dente in boiling salted water. Reserve 1 cup pasta water. Drain pasta well.
- Place large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and the Italian sausage, diced onions and mushrooms. Cook until no longer pink.
- Add the spinach and pasta sauce to the sausage mixture. Stir until combined.
- Next add the cooked pasta and half the shredded cheese. Stir and mix well. If needed add the reserved pasta water about ¼ cup at a time. (I used about a ⅓ cup of pasta water.)
- Spread into one even layer. Top with remaining shredded cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes until it's hot and bubbly.
- Optional - Remove foil and place under broiler for 2-3 minutes until the top of the pasta is browned. Serve and enjoy!
Sharon says
Move over lasagna, I'm making this sausage pasta bake tonight. It looks incredibly tasty and easy to put together.
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful, enjoy the recipe Sharon, it's so yummy!
Sam says
This really is a simple and delicious sausage pasta casserole. My family has already requested that I make it again next weekend!
Bowl Me Over says
That's wonderful Sam, I'm glad your family enjoyed the pasta bake!
Debbie says
Baked pasta dishes are the best! I am absolutely making this sausage pasta casserole tonight.
Bowl Me Over says
Enjoy!
Cynthia Rusincovitch says
Oh my. We do Sunday supper with a group of friends once a month. And your sausage pasta bake would make a perfect dish that feeds a group but is easy to throw in the carrier when we head to someone's house!
Bowl Me Over says
Love a great recipe to take to a potluck! I bet it will be a hit with the group. Enjoy the sausage pasta casserole, it's SO good!
Alyssa says
This sausage pasta casserole will make a great week night meal. My boys love any kind of pasta, so I know they will enjoy this!
One Crazy House says
What's not to love about an easy, cheesy weeknight meal, like this yummy sausage pasta bake?!
Bowl Me Over says
It's the best and so easy too! Enjoy the pasta casserole!!
Kristen says
This sausage pasta bake is the PERFECT holiday season meal, especially when you have holiday guests! An easy way to feed a crowd!
Bowl Me Over says
For sure! I love that it's such an easy recipe. You'll love the cheesy goodness of this simple pasta recipe!
Cynthia says
I love how easy this sausage pasta casserole is to put together!
Brandi says
We tried this sausage pasta bake over the weekend, and it was delicious! We substituted hot sausage for the mild sausage to give it a bit of a kick.
Bowl Me Over says
Spicing it up, love it Brandi! Glad you enjoyed the casserole!!
Rita Joy says
Debra, do you think this sausage pasta bake recipe would work if I assembled it, froze it, and then baked it when my guests are going to be here? I'm thinking this might me a really good make ahead meal? What do you think?
Brittany says
Your sausage pasta bake looks delicious and gives me another reason to use my cast iron!