Looking for a delicious and hearty Italian bake recipe to satisfy your cravings? This Best Italian Bake is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines classic Italian ingredients like tomato sauce, pasta, sausage, and veggies for a dish that will become a family favorite.
An Italian Bake Story A lot of my cooking inspiration comes from my love of Italian cuisine. There’s something comforting about the combination of pasta, cheese, and savory meats that always hits the spot. This Italian bake recipe is a go-to in my kitchen for busy weeknights or when I’m craving a cozy, satisfying meal without the fuss of multiple dishes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Best Italian Bake
– Classic Italian Flavors: Combines traditional ingredients like tomato sauce, pasta, sausage, and veggies in a comforting casserole.
– Simple One-Pan Meal: Easy preparation and cleanup make it perfect for busy nights.
– Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the cheesy goodness of this dish.
– Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or trying different types of meats and cheeses.
Ingredients
– 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, diced: Provides lean protein for a balanced meal.
– 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced: Adds a savory and flavorful element to the dish.
– 1 onion, chopped: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its sweetness.
– 2 red bell peppers, chopped: A colorful and nutritious addition to the bake.
– 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic Italian herbs and spices.
– 1 pound pasta, cooked al dente: Rigatoni, large shells, or wagon wheels work best for this bake.
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella: Provides the cheesy goodness that binds everything together.
– 2 jars pasta sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for convenience.
– 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken, sausage, and veggies.
– Salt and pepper: Season to taste for a well-balanced flavor.
How to Make Best Italian Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F.
Step 2: Sauté the Meats and Veggies
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Cook the diced chicken and sliced Italian sausage for 5 minutes. Add the chopped onion and red bell peppers, and cook until softened. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
Drain any excess fat from the skillet. In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, meat mixture, and pasta sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Dish
Cover the baking dish and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to melt and brown the cheese.
Storage Options
To store any leftovers, allow the Italian bake to cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
– Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
– Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as parmesan, asiago, or provolone.
– Pasta Swap: Try using different pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or bowties.
– Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
What to Serve With Best Italian Bake
– A fresh garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette
– Garlic bread or cheesy garlic knots
– Roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus or eggplant
– A glass of Chianti or your favorite Italian red wine
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time ?
Yes, you can prepare the Italian bake up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate the unbaked dish, then bake it when ready.
Can I freeze leftovers ?
Absolutely! Store any leftover portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use a different type of meat ?
Of course! You can substitute the chicken and sausage with ground beef, turkey, or even meatballs for a different flavor.
Can I add extra vegetables ?
Feel free to customize the vegetable mix by adding your favorites like mushrooms, spinach, or artichokes for added nutrition and texture.
After baking this Best Italian Bake, you can expect a bubbling, golden-brown casserole with layers of cheesy goodness. The flavors of the tomato sauce, savory meats, and tender pasta will meld together perfectly. Each bite offers a comforting taste of traditional Italian cuisine that will satisfy your cravings for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Best Italian Bake
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts diced
- 1 pound Italian sausage sliced
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 red bell peppers chopped
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 pound pasta cooked al dente
- 2 cups mozzarella shredded
- 2 jars pasta sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a skillet, sauté olive oil, chicken, sausage, onion, and bell peppers seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cooked pasta, meat mixture, and pasta sauce in a baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the cheese.