Nothing beats a cheesy, flavorful pasta bake, and this Easy Spicy Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta Bake delivers bold flavors without a lot of effort. This dish combines spicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and marinara sauce into a satisfying and comforting meal perfect for a busy weeknight. Ready in just 45 minutes, this pasta bake is a restaurant-quality dish that the whole family will love!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (removed from casings)
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), sliced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ¼ cup red or white wine (optional)
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
• 4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 10-12 oz rigatoni pasta (or other short pasta)
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (or shredded mozzarella), divided

For Serving:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil
• Black pepper
• Extra chili flakes

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the sausage & veggies: Heat an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and cook the sausage for 5 minutes. Then add the peppers, onions, and garlic, cooking for another 5 minutes.
3. Make the sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds. Deglaze the pan with wine (if using) and cook for another minute until the wine reduces.
4. Combine everything: Stir in the marinara sauce and spices. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then mix in the cooked pasta and half of the mozzarella.
5. Bake: Top with the remaining cheese and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and edges brown. For crispier edges, broil for a few minutes.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot with grated Parmesan, fresh basil, and extra chili flakes. Pair with crusty bread and a side salad for a complete meal!

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 890mg

Enjoy this comforting and easy-to-make pasta bake that brings the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and cheesy goodness! 🍝🔥

Why This Recipe Works

This pasta bake is an excellent choice for busy home cooks because it combines simple ingredients with a straightforward process to create a dish packed with flavor. The spicy Italian sausage adds depth and a slight heat, while the sweet bell peppers balance it out with their natural sweetness. The marinara sauce, infused with aromatic herbs and garlic, coats the rigatoni perfectly, ensuring each bite is packed with rich flavor.

What sets this dish apart is the blend of cheeses. The mozzarella adds a creamy, stretchy texture, while grated Parmesan enhances the umami factor. The optional wine deglaze brings an extra layer of sophistication, elevating this dish to restaurant-quality status. Plus, the baking step ensures that the top layer of cheese turns golden and bubbly, giving it an irresistible appeal.

The Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient in this pasta bake plays a crucial role in creating a balanced dish:

• Spicy Italian Sausage: The star of the dish, providing a bold and savory kick. The spice from the sausage enhances the overall depth of flavor, making every bite exciting.
• Bell Peppers: The sweetness of the red, yellow, or orange bell peppers balances the spice from the sausage and adds a pop of color and texture.
• Marinara Sauce: This forms the base of the dish, bringing acidity, tang, and richness. Using a high-quality store-bought sauce or a homemade version will make a significant difference.
• Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy and indulgent layer that binds the pasta and sauce together.
• Pasta (Rigatoni or Other Short Pasta): The tube-shaped rigatoni holds the sauce and cheese perfectly, ensuring a balanced bite. Other pasta options like penne or ziti would also work well.
• Aromatic Herbs & Spices: Basil, oregano, and chili flakes add depth and warmth, complementing the sausage and marinara flavors.
• Garlic & Onion: These foundational aromatics build layers of flavor from the very first step.

Customization Options for Personal Taste

One of the best aspects of this pasta bake is its versatility. You can easily modify the recipe based on your preferences:

• Make it milder: If you’re not a fan of spice, opt for mild Italian sausage instead of the spicy variety. You can also reduce or omit the chili flakes.
• Vegetarian option: Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or sautéed mushrooms for a similar hearty texture.
• Gluten-free variation: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your marinara sauce and sausage are gluten-free.
• Extra cheesy goodness: While mozzarella is the main cheese in this recipe, you can experiment by adding ricotta or provolone for a richer cheese blend.
• Add more veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini would be great additions to boost the nutritional content.

Tips for the Best Pasta Bake

To ensure your pasta bake turns out perfect every time, follow these tips:

• Cook the pasta al dente: Since the pasta continues cooking in the oven, boiling it just until it’s slightly firm ensures it doesn’t become mushy.
• Use an oven-proof skillet: If you want to minimize cleanup, use a large, oven-proof skillet to cook the sausage and sauce before mixing in the pasta and baking.
• Layer the cheese: Mixing half of the mozzarella into the pasta ensures a gooey interior, while topping it with the remaining cheese gives that golden, bubbly crust.
• Broil for a crispy top: If you want a slightly crispy and caramelized cheese layer, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the pasta bake to sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set, making it easier to serve and ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal

To round out the meal, consider these delicious pairings:

• Garlic Bread: A crusty slice of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the extra sauce.
• Side Salad: A fresh arugula or Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or Zinfandel pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of the sausage and tomato sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus for added nutrition.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This pasta bake is great for meal prep and leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This pasta bake freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Adding a splash of water or marinara sauce before reheating helps maintain moisture.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Pasta Bake for Any Occasion

This Easy Spicy Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta Bake is a true winner for any pasta lover. With its bold flavors, simple ingredients, and quick preparation, it’s a dish that delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or serving guests, this pasta bake is sure to impress.

Its versatility allows for customization based on personal preferences, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Serve it with your favorite sides, enjoy the leftovers, and savor the perfect blend of spicy, cheesy, and savory flavors. Try this pasta bake today, and you’ll have a new staple in your recipe collection!