Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your family begging for seconds! This mouthwatering Italian Sausage Alfredo Pasta Bake is the perfect combination of hearty Italian sausage, creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with a golden, bubbly cheese crust that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for your next gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to become an instant favorite that will have everyone asking, "Can I have the recipe?"
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your pasta bake cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 12 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casing from the 1 pound of Italian sausage and add the sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, browned Italian sausage, 2 cups of Alfredo sauce, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup). Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This will help to heat everything through and melt the cheese.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to portion out.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Italian Sausage Alfredo Pasta Bake with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use fresh Italian sausage and remove it from the casing before cooking.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- Drain excess fat from the sausage to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
- Use high-quality Alfredo sauce or make your own for a more authentic taste.
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, broil the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding some provolone or fontina for extra depth of flavor.
- Serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 95mg
