Description
This Italian Sausage & Alfredo Pasta Bake is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender penne pasta tossed with creamy Alfredo sauce, savory browned Italian sausage, and sautéed vegetables, all baked with a melty layer of mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole-style pasta bake is easy to prepare and delivers rich, satisfying flavors in under an hour and a half.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound penne (or other pasta)
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce (about 15 ounces) or use homemade Alfredo sauce
Meat and 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
Topping
- 4-6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink inside, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and transfer sausage to a bowl.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and green bell pepper and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Add chopped mushrooms and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl (or the pot used for pasta), combine the cooked penne, browned sausage, sautéed vegetables, and Alfredo sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the pasta bake is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your rich and creamy Italian Sausage & Alfredo Pasta Bake warm.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- If preferred, homemade Alfredo sauce can be substituted for a fresher flavor.
- Vegetables can be swapped or added to include zucchini or spinach for more nutrition.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the cooked sausage to avoid a greasy bake.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.
