Pasta Sausage Bake
A hearty baked pasta dish featuring Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheeses, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage and drain excess fat.
- In a greased casserole dish, combine the cooked sausage, Prego spaghetti sauce, cooked Mostaccioli, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the mixture at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese on top and bake until the cheese melts.
- Serve hot with garlic bread and salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using sweet or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference. You can substitute Mostaccioli with penne or rigatoni if needed. If you're looking for a lighter version, try using turkey Italian sausage. Adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can enhance the dish further. This recipe is versatile and can easily be customized to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Pasta Sausage Bake pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside Italian Appetizer Bread for a delightful starter. If you want to add a side dish, consider a light vegetable medley or roasted asparagus to balance the hearty pasta.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Reheat at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but be careful not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Sausage Bake contains roughly 466 calories, with 40g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (80% of the Daily Value), calcium (70% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1100mg per serving (48% 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 sausage?
Absolutely! You can use chicken sausage for a leaner option or even a vegetarian sausage for a meatless version. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially if using pre-cooked sausages.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the Mostaccioli with gluten-free pasta. Also, ensure that your spaghetti sauce and cheeses do not contain gluten. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work well in this recipe.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Pasta Sausage Bake ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold.
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).