This Italian pasta bake recipe is a delicious, no-fuss dinner option that comes together in under an hour! Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, it delivers all the comforting flavors of lasagna without the effort. It’s customizable with sausage, meatballs, veggies, or just cheese, and can easily be made ahead of time. Whether you’re feeding a family of four or baking for a potluck dinner, this easy pasta bake will quickly become a staple.
Browning the sausage
We usually get sausage from a butcher. They make a great Italian sausage! I buy it in the casing and take the meat out of the sausage. Estimate a tablespoon size piece and place it in a large skillet. Flatten it with a spatula so it browns a bit faster. I have found they layer better when flattened. There is no reason that you couldn’t get bulk sausage and go from there.
The pasta
The pasta choice is up to you. I made sure to cook the pasta al dente because of the cooking time in the oven. Over boil the pasta and it will get mushy in the oven. Ziti or small rigatoni work best for my family. The pasta is substantial without taking up the whole baking dish. But I’m open to any pasta with this recipe!
Variations on the Italian pasta bake
There are many variations to this dish. I have made this Italian pasta recipe with mushrooms, onions and roasted peppers. A perfect vegetarian dinner. I have layered provolone and pepperoni in the pasta bake recipe also. I bought the provolone in slices and it added a great thick layer of cheese in the middle. No one complained about that! Lastly I have added pesto when serving the pasta bake. My family are big pesto fans and they loved it.
The choice, as always, is up to you. Make it your own!
The Italian pasta bake recipe goes great with the strawberry almond salad!
FAQ’s
Yes! You can fully assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Ziti, rigatoni, or penne are great choices—they hold up well in the oven and soak up the sauce.
Mozzarella and parmesan are classic, but provolone, ricotta, or even a little cream cheese can add richness and variety.
Skip the sausage and add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
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Italian Pasta Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 pounds of Italian sausage
- 24 ounce jar of your favorite pasta sauce
- 12 ounce box of farfalle pasta
- 1 cup of Parmesan divided
- 3 cups of mozzarella divided
Instructions
- Brown sausage in a large skillet.
- Boil pasta until al dente.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Pour 1/2 of the pasta sauce into the bottom and spread evenly. Next spread 1/2 of the cooked pasta, 1/2 of the browned sausage, 1/2 of the Parmesan and 1/2 the mozzarela. All should be spread evenly.
- Repeat the first layer.
- Cover and bake at 350 degrees
- F for 45 minutes. Bake an additional 5-10 minutes uncovered or until cheese is golden brown.
Notes
-
Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. -
What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
Ziti, rigatoni, or penne are great choices—they hold up well in the oven and soak up the sauce. -
What cheeses are best for this pasta bake?
Mozzarella and parmesan are classic, but provolone, ricotta, or even a little cream cheese can add richness and variety. -
How can I make this pasta bake vegetarian?
Skip the sausage and add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
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