There¡¯s nothing as comforting as a bubbling, golden brown pasta bake fresh from the oven. This spicy pasta-sausage bake combines hearty flavor and a touch of heat for the perfect weeknight dinner. Juicy, flavorful sausage pairs beautifully with robust tomato sauce, smoky spices and tender pasta. Topped with a generous layer of melty cheese, this dish is the ultimate crowd pleaser. Whether you¡¯re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a potluck, this easy-to-make recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds.
INGREDIENTS
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Pasta
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12 ounces penne or rigatoni
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Sausage Mixture:
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1 pound spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
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Sauce
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1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Cheese and Toppings
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1-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
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INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Cook the Pasta
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Preheat your oven to 375¡ãF (190¡ãC).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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2. Prepare the Sausage Mixture
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sausage, and cook, breaking it up in crumbles, until browned (about 5 to 7 minutes). Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, saute the diced onion until softened (about 3 minutes). Add the garlic, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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3. Make the Sauce
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Stir in the crushed tomato, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
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4. Combine
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Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta, and toss to coat everything with the sauce evenly.
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5. Assemble the Bake
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Transfer the sausage and pasta mixture to a greased 9¡Á13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
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6. Bake
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Place the dish in the preheated oven, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
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7. Serve
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Let the pasta bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor.
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