75 minutes
A hearty and flavorful pasta bake featuring Italian sausage, aromatic spices, and a blend of three cheeses.
tablespoons
Italian Sausage, bulk, hot or mild
0 lb
Garlic Clove, thinly sliced
each
teaspoons
Fennel Seeds, coarsely crushed
teaspoons
pinches
Whole Peeled Tomatoes, with juices
0 oz
0 oz
each
to taste
Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
cups
cups
Parmesan Cheese, grated
cups
1. Cook Sausage
Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the bulk Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let the sausage brown for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly and develops a rich, savory flavor.
2. Add Aromatics and Spices
As the sausage cooks, take a moment to slice the garlic cloves thinly. This will ensure they melt into the sauce, infusing it with their aromatic essence. Once the sausage is nicely browned, add the garlic, dried oregano, coarsely crushed fennel seeds, and a pinch of red-pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes and Bay Leaves
Next, pour in the whole peeled tomatoes with their juices. Use your spoon to break the tomatoes into smaller pieces, allowing them to meld with the sausage mixture. Add the crushed or strained tomatoes and stir to combine. Tuck in two bay leaves, then season with kosher salt to taste.
4. Simmer Sauce
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial as it lets the flavors meld and deepen, creating a robust base for your pasta bake. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
5. Cook Pasta
Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente, then drain and set aside. As the sauce finishes simmering, remove the bay leaves and discard them.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, stirring well to ensure each piece is coated. Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a large baking dish.
7. Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle generously with mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese—creating a golden, bubbly topping as it bakes. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
8. Serve
Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. If you like a bit of extra heat, sprinkle more red-pepper flakes on top before enjoying your savory sausage and three-cheese pasta bake.
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Replace sausage with chicken and the tomato sauce with Alfredo sauce. Use mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese.
Swap out the type of sausage to instantly modify the flavor profile. Try Andouille for a Cajun kick, Chorizo for a Spanish influence, or a chicken apple sausage for a lighter, slightly sweet variation.
Substitute sausage with seafood like shrimp, scallops, and crab. Use a light tomato sauce or white wine cream sauce, and blend Parmesan, mozzarella, and Asiago cheeses.
Try a béchamel or Alfredo for a creamier bake, or infuse your sauces with flavors like roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or pesto for a new dimension.
Select fresh, high-quality sausages and artisanal cheeses, and freshly grate your cheese for better melting and flavor.
Cook your pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy.
Balance the proportions of a good melting cheese, a flavorful cheese, and a strong personality cheese for a creamy texture.
Brown your sausages evenly in a skillet with a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat.
Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to your sauce and season it to be a bit saltier to flavor the dish.
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