Best Italian Bake Recipe
Looking for a warm, hearty meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare? This Best Italian Bake is just what you need. Bursting with bold Italian flavors, it features layers of perfectly cooked pasta, rich marinara, seasoned Italian sausage, and a blend of creamy cheeses. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends over the weekend, this comforting dish is always a hit.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pasta (penne or rigatoni) | 12 oz |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Ground Italian sausage | 1 lb |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | 1/2 tsp |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh basil or parsley, chopped | For garnish |
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Sausage and Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook sausage until browned, then add onion and garlic and sauté until softened.
- Make the Sauce: Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Assemble the Bake: Mix cooked pasta with the sausage sauce and ricotta. Spread half the mixture into the baking dish, top with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10–15 minutes more, until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let rest 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
This Best Italian Bake is a true comfort food classic. With its rich flavors and cheesy goodness, it’s bound to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Enjoy!
