Description
This Italian Sausage & Alfredo Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring penne pasta smothered in creamy Alfredo sauce, flavorful Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese, it combines rich flavors and textures into a satisfying baked casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Sauce
- 1 pound penne (or other pasta)
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce (or use homemade Alfredo sauce)
Sausage & Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup red onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper (chopped)
- 4 ounces mushrooms (chopped)
Toppings
- 4 – 6 ounces mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set it aside to prepare for baking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain well and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown and crumble the Italian sausage until no longer pink inside. Drain excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the chopped red onion and green bell pepper for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chopped mushrooms and continue sautéing for another 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl (or the pasta cooking pot), combine the cooked pasta, browned sausage, sautéed vegetables, and Alfredo sauce. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure an even coating.
- Assemble Bake: Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the bake is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with rigatoni or ziti for similar results.
- Homemade Alfredo sauce can be used for a fresher taste.
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To reduce fat, use turkey sausage and low-fat cheese.
