Cheesy Baked Pasta with Sausage and Ricotta

Indulge in the comforting and flavorful delight of Cheesy Baked Pasta with Sausage and Ricotta. This mouthwatering dish combines the rich creaminess of ricotta cheese, savory Italian sausage, and a luscious tomato sauce, all baked to perfection under a blanket of gooey melted cheese.

The textures and flavors blend harmoniously, making it an irresistible choice for a hearty family meal or a gathering with friends. With simple preparation and a burst of delectable flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

To create this Cheesy Baked Pasta with Sausage and Ricotta, you will need the following ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340g) of your favorite pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 jar (24 ounces/680g) of your preferred tomato-based pasta sauce
• 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place a generous amount of salted water in a large pot and bring it to a boil. Cook the pasta following the package instructions until it reaches the desired al dente consistency. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
4. Incorporate the minced garlic into the skillet and sauté it for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant.
5. Pour the tomato-based pasta sauce into the skillet with the sausage and garlic. Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the ricotta cheese. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated with the ricotta.
7. Grease a large baking dish and spread half of the ricotta-coated pasta on the bottom.
8. Layer half of the sausage and tomato sauce mixture over the pasta.
9. Evenly distribute half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
10. Duplicate the layers using the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese.
11. Wrap the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven to bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly golden.
12. Once baked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
13. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve hot.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Pasta with Sausage and Ricotta is a delightful fusion of rich flavors and creamy textures that will satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any occasion when you crave a hearty and comforting meal. With its scrumptious combination of Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe recommends penne, rigatoni, or fusilli, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as farfalle (bow-tie), macaroni, or even spaghetti.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake it as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, first, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake it in the oven until it’s thoroughly heated through.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Certainly! While the recipe calls for mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, you can experiment with other types of cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or provolone to add a unique twist to the dish.

Is this dish spicy?

The level of spiciness will depend on the type of Italian sausage you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can opt for sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the Italian sausage or substitute it with plant-based sausage crumbles for a vegetarian version that still maintains the deliciousness.

 More Amazing Recipes

• Creamy Farfalle Pasta Recipe
• Tex Mex Pasta Recipe
• Vegetarian Rasta Pasta Recipe
• White Sauce Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

Cheesy Baked Pasta with Sausage and Ricotta

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Servings: 6

Calories: 400kcal

Ingredients

• 12 ounces (340g) of your favorite pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 jar (24 ounces/680g) of your preferred tomato-based pasta sauce
• 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place a generous amount of salted water in a large pot and bring it to a boil. Cook the pasta following the package instructions until it reaches the desired al dente consistency. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula, until it's browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
• Incorporate the minced garlic into the skillet and sauté it for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant.
• Pour the tomato-based pasta sauce into the skillet with the sausage and garlic. Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the ricotta cheese. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated with the ricotta.
• Grease a large baking dish and spread half of the ricotta-coated pasta on the bottom.
• Layer half of the sausage and tomato sauce mixture over the pasta.
• Evenly distribute half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
• Duplicate the layers using the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese.
• Wrap the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven to bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly golden.
• Once baked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve hot.