Pasta Gratin With Sausage And Mushrooms
Creamy pasta baked with savory sausage, mushrooms, and Parmesan offers rich flavors perfect for comforting dinners and satisfying gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage meat ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- dried thyme ⓘ
- 8 oz. mushrooms ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic ⓘ
- pinch of nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 c. dry white wine ⓘ
- 28 oz. can tomatoes ⓘ
- black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. parsley ⓘ
- 1 lb. tube shaped pasta ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet.
- Saute onion until soft, about 6 minutes.
- Add crumbled sausage meat and cook until browned, about 6 minutes.
- Season with salt and dried thyme.
- Add sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, and a pinch of nutmeg to the skillet.
- Toss to combine and cook for 4 minutes.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Add white wine and cook until dry.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Season with black pepper and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider using spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet. You can also substitute the mushrooms with spinach or kale for a different texture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked pasta can be used to cut down on cooking time. When adding the wine, a splash of chicken broth can work as a substitute if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Pasta Gratin with a light green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes featuring similar flavors, like Lasagna Revisited or Fettucini With Sausage, Red Pepper And Mushrooms. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a dash of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor even more.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave portions for a quick meal, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Gratin With Sausage And Mushrooms contains roughly 1427 calories, with 64g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (174% of the Daily Value), iron (151% of the Daily Value), and protein (127% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this gratin?
Absolutely! While tube-shaped pasta is ideal for holding the sauce, you can use penne or even rotini. Just ensure the pasta is al dente before baking, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. Add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to maintain a hearty texture and flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage and mushroom mixture a day in advance. Just assemble the gratin before baking, storing it covered in the fridge. Bake it when you're ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's chilled.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).