This Italian Sausage Casserole is a cozy, all-in-one meal loaded with savory sausage, tender pasta, chunky marinara, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s easy to prep and perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
8 oz uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta and sauce mixture. Stir in half the mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese.
Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and cheese is melted.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving, if desired.
You can make it ahead and refrigerate before baking. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
Swap in gluten-free pasta if needed.
Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/italian-sausage-casserole/