Easy Italian Bake

Looking for a simple, flavorful, and hearty meal? This Easy Italian Bake is a family favorite, loaded with tender chicken, savory Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and rich tomato sauce. Whether you’re a home cook or just starting in the kitchen, this recipe is quick, delicious, and perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings!

• Comforting and Filling: Packed with protein from chicken and sausage, plus a cheesy, rich pasta base, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone.
• Customizable: You can easily modify it with your favorite veggies or make it vegetarian.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and simply bake when ready!
• Family-Friendly: This Italian casserole is sure to be a hit for both kids and adults alike.

• Large deep dish or casserole dish
• Cutting board and knife
• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Colander (for draining pasta)
• Mixing bowl
• Oven
• Cheese grater

• 3 pounds chicken breasts (cooked & cut into bite-size pieces)
• 6 Italian sausage links (mild or hot, according to preference)
• 2 jars of spaghetti sauce (any brand, Hunt’s works great)
• 1 pound pasta (penne, macaroni, shells, or your preferred variety)
• 1 large package of pizza cheese (shredded mozzarella or Italian blend)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 large bell peppers (red & green, cut into chunks)

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Prepare Ingredients: Cut up the cooked chicken, dice the onion and bell peppers, and slice the Italian sausage into bite-size pieces.
3. Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in a large pot, following the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta in a colander.
4. Mix It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage, onions, bell peppers, chicken, and spaghetti sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.
5. Transfer to a Casserole Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a large, deep dish or casserole. If it doesn’t all fit, you can use a smaller dish and freeze it for later.
6. Add Cheese: Top the casserole generously with pizza cheese, covering the entire surface.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
8. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

• Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
• Spice it Up: For a spicier version, opt for hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
• Make it Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or extra mozzarella on top before baking.
• Herb Boost: Add Italian seasoning, oregano, or fresh basil to enhance the flavors.

Food Pairings:

• Serve this Easy Italian Bake with a side of garlic bread or warm dinner rolls.
• A fresh green salad with tangy balsamic vinaigrette complements the rich flavors.
• Pair with a glass of Chianti wine or sparkling Italian soda for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

1. Can I make Easy Italian Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a convenient option for meal prepping or hosting.

2. What pasta works best for this recipe?
Any short pasta like penne, macaroni, or shells works great. These varieties hold up well in casseroles and allow the sauce to coat them evenly.

3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! You can freeze leftovers or a prepared but unbaked casserole. Just be sure to wrap it well in foil or place it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake.

4. Can I substitute the sausage?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can swap out the sausage for ground beef or turkey. For a vegetarian version, just omit the meat and load up on vegetables.

5. How can I make this dish more flavorful?
Add extra seasoning to your sauce, like garlic powder, Italian herbs, or red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano also add great flavor when sprinkled over the top.

This Easy Italian Bake is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of Italian comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Easy Italian Bake

Easy Italian Bake is a hearty and flavorful casserole made with layers of pasta, savory Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and a cheesy blend of mozzarella and ricotta. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you need an easy yet comforting Italian-inspired dish.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 8

Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Skillet (for browning sausage)
• Mixing Bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb pasta penne, ziti, or rigatoni
• 1 lb Italian sausage mild or hot
• 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta:
• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Brown the sausage:
• In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Prepare the cheese mixture:
• In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
• Assemble the casserole:
• In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sausage and marinara mixture on the bottom. Add a layer of cooked pasta, followed by dollops of the ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat with another layer of sauce, pasta, and ricotta, finishing with a final layer of sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella on top.
• Bake:
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
• Serve:
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Video

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the Italian sausage.
• For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.

Keyword Easy Italian Bake