Sausage and Roasted Peppers Pasta Bake

Warm, comforting, and packed with robust Italian flavors, this Sausage and Roasted Peppers Pasta Bake is a family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for any weeknight or cozy gathering. Tender penne pasta is tossed with savory Italian sausage, sweet roasted red and yellow bell peppers, and a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, creating the ultimate blend of hearty and fresh. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, every bite is a gooey, cheesy delight. This dish comes together effortlessly with a combination of simple roasting and baking techniques, and it’s ready in just about an hour. Garnish with fresh basil for a vibrant finish, and serve warm for a crowd-pleasing classic. Ideal for leftovers, this baked pasta recipe satisfies bold cravings while being surprisingly easy to prepare!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Penne pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 large Red bell pepper
• 1 large Yellow bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 28-ounce can Crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Slice the red and yellow bell peppers into thin strips. Place them on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and toss to coat. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until softened and slightly charred. Set aside.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage, if necessary, and crumble the sausage into the skillet. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 5

Add minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked sausage and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the sausage. Mix in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 7

Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).

Step 8

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted bell peppers, and sausage-tomato sauce. Mix well to evenly coat.

Step 9

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2353.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3754.9

Total Fat 193.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 72.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 482.8mg	0%
Sodium 7628.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 330.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.6g	0%
Total Sugars 32.6g
Protein 185.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2449.3mg	0%
Iron 29.3mg	0%
Potassium 4760.3mg	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: 45.7%

Protein: 19.5%

Carbs: 34.8%