Easy Italian Pasta Casserole

Transform your weeknight dinners with this Easy Italian Pasta Casserole, a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines bold Italian flavors with effortless preparation. This comfort food classic features tender penne pasta folded into a luscious blend of creamy ricotta, marinara sauce simmered with savory Italian sausage, and a trio of melted cheeses—mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta—for the ultimate gooey indulgence. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this casserole layers together in a 9x13-inch baking dish and bakes to golden perfection, creating bubbly, cheesy layers that are impossible to resist. Seasoned with fragrant garlic, Italian herbs, and optional fresh basil for a burst of freshness, this casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread, making it the perfect go-to for cozy dinners or potluck gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz Penne pasta
• 1 lb Ground Italian sausage
• 24 oz Marinara sauce
• 1 cup Ricotta cheese
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.

Step 5

Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 7

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.

Step 8

Layer half of the pasta mixture over the sauce, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and meat sauce.

Step 9

Sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 10

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 12

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 13

Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2130.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4522.9

Total Fat 234.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 97.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 688.8mg	0%
Sodium 8925.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 388.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.7g	0%
Total Sugars 18.3g
Protein 223.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3301.8mg	0%
Iron 26.3mg	0%
Potassium 2665.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.2%

Protein: 19.6%

Carbs: 34.1%