How to Make the Best Hearty Italian Sausage Bake at Home

This Hearty Italian Sausage Bake brings all the bold, rustic flavors of a classic Italian casserole—without going overboard on calories. It’s packed with juicy chicken sausage, tender pasta, melty cheese, and rich tomato sauce, creating a satisfying one-dish meal that’s both filling and figure-friendly. Whether you’re serving the family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Savory & Satisfying: Loaded with Italian-seasoned sausage, marinara, and gooey cheese.
Balanced Comfort Food: A lighter twist on a classic baked pasta without sacrificing flavor.
One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes together in a single dish—easy to prepare, easier to clean.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will love this cozy, hearty bake.

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat penne (or any short pasta)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 12 oz chicken Italian sausage, sliced (pre-cooked or raw)
• 2 cups sugar-free marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Veggies & Sausage:

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add onion and bell pepper, cooking for 4–5 minutes until softened.
• Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
• Add the sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned (if raw), or just warmed through (if pre-cooked).

Combine and Bake:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large mixing bowl or directly in a baking dish, combine cooked pasta, sausage-veggie mixture, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
• Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
• Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Serve and Enjoy:

• Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a fresh finish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 310
• Carbs: 29g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 5g

Tips for Success

• Choose Lean Sausage: Chicken or turkey sausage helps keep things lighter while still flavorful.
• Go Whole Grain: Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and extra nutrients.
• Add Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini can boost the nutrition without changing the flavor profile.
• Make It Ahead: Assemble the bake in advance and refrigerate—just add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Why This Recipe Works

• Bold Italian Flavors: The combo of marinara, herbs, and sausage satisfies classic comfort food cravings.
• Balanced Macros: A good mix of carbs, protein, and fat for a filling, well-rounded meal.
• Kid & Crowd Approved: Great for family dinners or easy entertaining.
• Flexible Ingredients: Customize with your favorite veggies, cheese, or pasta shape.

This Hearty Italian Sausage Bake is the perfect solution when you want a comforting, home-cooked meal that won’t weigh you down. It’s cozy, cheesy, and full of flavor—ideal for feeding a hungry family or keeping your weeknight dinners both healthy and delicious.