Paula Deen's Baked Fusilli with Italian Sausage

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Paula Deen's Baked Fusilli with Italian Sausage—a hearty, cheesy baked pasta dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings. Featuring tender fusilli pasta tossed in a rich tomato sauce spiced with Italian sausage, garlic, and herbs, this recipe delivers bold, satisfying flavors with every bite. Layers of gooey mozzarella and nutty Parmesan cheese melt perfectly in the oven, creating a golden, bubbly topping that's irresistibly appetizing. With a sprinkle of fresh basil for a finishing touch, this easy-to-make casserole-style dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or garlic bread. Ready in just an hour and serving six, it's a crowd-pleasing classic you'll want to make again and again. Perfect for searches like "baked pasta with sausage," "easy Italian sausage recipes," or "cheesy baked fusilli."

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz Fusilli pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 28 oz Crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp Fresh basil (for garnish)

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 fusilli pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage-tomato sauce, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Add the remaining pasta mixture and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 9

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2149.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4088.6

Total Fat 192.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 73.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 482.8mg	0%
Sodium 8584.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 406.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.3g	0%
Total Sugars 51.2g
Protein 196.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2463.2mg	0%
Iron 21.3mg	0%
Potassium 4105.3mg	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: 41.9%

Protein: 18.9%

Carbs: 39.2%