Hello, Pasta Enthusiasts!
When the craving for something cheesy, hearty, and utterly satisfying strikes, this Cheesy Sausage and Fettuccine Pasta Bake is the answer. Packed with savory sausage, tender fettuccine, and layers of melted cheese, this dish is a comfort food dream come true.
Imagine twirling bites of pasta coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce, combined with the bold, seasoned flavors of sausage, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping a weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to make everyone at the table smile.
This one-dish wonder is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest. Get ready to dig into layers of cheesy, baked goodness that will have your family asking for seconds!
A Quick Glance at the Recipe
A comforting casserole combining fettuccine, seasoned sausage, and a blend of cheeses, baked to golden perfection. It’s rich, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make.
My Pasta Bake Story
The first time I made this, it was a cold, rainy evening. I wanted something warm, cheesy, and hearty—and this recipe was born! My husband went back for thirds, and my kids declared it their new favorite pasta dish. Now, it’s a regular at family dinners and potlucks alike.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Sausage and Fettuccine Pasta Bake
What Makes It Special:
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything baked in one dish.
- Irresistibly Cheesy: A blend of gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan.
- Customizable: Add veggies or swap the sausage for your favorite protein.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes just as amazing the next day!
Cuisine:
Italian-American Comfort Food
Tips for Success
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so don’t overcook it on the stovetop.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Grate your own cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Add Veggies: Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make great additions.
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Swap: Use ground beef, chicken, or turkey instead of sausage.
- Go Vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables.
- Spice It Up: Add extra red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.
- Different Pasta: Try penne, rigatoni, or ziti for a twist.
Make It Healthier
- Use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk.
- Reduce the cheese or use part-skim mozzarella.
A Cheesy Goodbye
There’s nothing quite like the combination of sausage, pasta, and melted cheese to bring people together. Cheesy Sausage and Fettuccine Pasta Bake is the kind of dish that turns a regular dinner into a memorable one. Make it tonight and watch it disappear in no time!
Relevant Categories
Dinner, Comfort Food, Casseroles, Pasta
Tags
Pasta Bake, Sausage, Cheesy, Italian-American, Easy Dinner
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pasta bake, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve. - How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. - Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed. - What’s the best type of sausage to use?
Italian sausage (mild or spicy) works best, but any flavorful sausage will do. - Can I use store-bought pasta sauce?
Yes! Use your favorite marinara or tomato-based sauce for convenience. - What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. - How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Don’t skimp on the sauce! The heavy cream ensures the dish stays creamy and moist. - Can I add more cheese?
Of course! Extra cheese is always a good idea. - Is this dish spicy?
It’s mildly spicy from the sausage and red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking. - What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
Cheddar, fontina, or provolone are great alternatives or additions to mozzarella.
Enjoy your hearty, cheesy masterpiece! 🧀🍝
Print
Cheesy Sausage and Fettuccine Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
When the craving for something cheesy, hearty, and utterly satisfying strikes, this Cheesy Sausage and Fettuccine Pasta Bake is the answer.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine, cooked al dente
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Mixture
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Return the sausage to the skillet and mix well.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
- Combine the cooked fettuccine with the sausage mixture, tossing until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
- Cook Time: 40
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
