Italian Sausage Casserole with Pasta
Italian sausage casserole with pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, pasta, and a delicious tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or for serving a crowd. The combination of savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and tangy tomato sauce creates a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pound pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces.
3. Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set aside.
6. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom.
7. Add a layer of cooked pasta on top of the sauce.
8. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta.
9. Repeat the layers until all the pasta, sauce, and cheese are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
13. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
This recipe serves about 6-8 people, and the estimated cooking time is around 1 hour. Serve the Italian sausage casserole with pasta hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of Italy in every bite!