Turkey Sausage, Vegetable, Pasta Ragout Casserole
A hearty pasta casserole with savory turkey sausage, colorful vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. turkey sausage
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 c. sliced celery ⓘ
- 2 c. coarsely chopped yellow onions ⓘ
- 1 c. coarsely chopped green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. coarsely chopped yellow or red bell pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1 lb. ripe plum tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. prepared Marinara tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. dry white wine ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. fennel seed
- salt and freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- cooked rigatoni or mostaccioli pasta ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler.
- Score the sausages 1/4-inch deep 3 times on each side.
- Broil sausages about 4 inches from the heat source until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes per side.
- Remove the sausages from the broiler and cut into 1-inch lengths.
- Reserve the sausages.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced celery, chopped yellow onions, green and yellow/red bell peppers, and garlic.
- Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes, marinara sauce, white wine, dried basil, fennel seed, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Mix in the cooked pasta and reserved sausage pieces.
- Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with shredded cheese and Parmesan.
- Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden, about 3-5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat turkey sausage or substituting with chicken sausage. You can mix in other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition. If plum tomatoes are unavailable, canned diced tomatoes work well. Make sure to adjust seasoning based on the sausage's saltiness. This dish is a great way to use leftover pasta, making it versatile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a side salad or garlic bread to complement the meal. A light vinaigrette salad pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the dish. For an Italian-themed dinner, consider adding a dessert like Tiramisu or browse more Italian recipes to create a full-course experience. Garnish with additional parsley for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking the cheese. This casserole freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Sausage, Vegetable, Pasta Ragout Casserole contains roughly 1014 calories, with 37g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (174% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), and iron (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1363mg per serving (59% 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 casserole?
Yes, you can substitute rigatoni or mostaccioli with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This flexibility allows you to use whatever you have on hand or prefer.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace turkey sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. Add more vegetables and perhaps some beans for protein. Using vegetable broth instead of white wine can enhance the flavor without meat, making it a delicious vegetarian option.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the vegetables. You could also use spicy turkey sausage instead of mild. Adjust the spice level according to your preference, ensuring it complements the other flavors in the casserole.
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).