Pin it
This satisfying pasta bake mixes spaghetti with flavorful Italian sausage and a trio of cheeses, creating the ultimate comfort dish your family will devour.
Key Ingredients:
- Italian sausage: Brings deep flavor
- Three cheeses: Mozzarella, cream cheese, ricotta
- Quality marinara: Two 24-oz containers
- Fresh garlic and onion: Builds flavor base
- Dried oregano: Traditional Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes: Adds kick if wanted
Pin it
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Create Base Elements
- Cook sausage with onions until brown
- Boil spaghetti until just tender
- Blend cheese mixture together
- Warm up oven to 375°F
- Create Cheese Mixture
- Work with room temp cream cheese
- Stir in Parmesan and ricotta
- Add your favorite seasonings
- Put aside for later
- Build Your Casserole
- Combine pasta with meat mix
- Put half in your baking dish
- Layer cheese blend on top
- Add remaining pasta mixture
- Cook Until Golden
- Top with shredded mozzarella
- Bake for 25-30 mins
- Quick broil for golden top if you want
- Let it settle
- Cool before cutting
Keeping It Fresh:
Stays good in fridge for 2-3 days. Can freeze uncooked for later.
Tasty Companions:
Try with a side of buttery garlic bread and fresh Caesar salad.
Pin it
Pro Cooking Advice:
- Shred cheese yourself
- Taste and adjust each layer
- Taste test before it goes in the oven
- Keep an eye on it when broiling
I've learned from countless pasta bakes that getting your layers right and using cheese at the proper temperature makes all the difference in texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why slightly undercook the noodles?
- It stops them from going too soft in the oven.
- → What cheeses can I swap in?
- Any blend of Italian cheese works, but don’t skip the cream cheese.
- → Can I prepare this early?
- Build it the day before. Just bake 10-15 minutes extra.
- → Does it freeze okay?
- Yep, for up to 3 months. Let it defrost overnight.
- → What if it’s extra saucy?
- Extra sauce stops leftovers from drying out.