That's Italian Macaroni Bake

Get ready to savor the comforting flavors of Italy with "That's Italian Macaroni Bake," an irresistible casserole that's perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. This recipe features tender elbow macaroni smothered in a rich, savory sauce made with ground Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, and garlic, seasoned to perfection with Italian herbs and a hint of red pepper flakes. A luscious layer of creamy ricotta, gooey melted mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan cheese takes this dish to new heights, with a finishing flourish of fresh parsley and basil for vibrant flavor. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a quick bake in the oven, this hearty, cheesy Italian pasta bake is as easy to make as it is to devour. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this dish brings indulgence and classic Italian flair to your dinner table in no time!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 5

Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

While the sauce simmers, in a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

Step 8

In the greased baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni and the prepared sausage sauce, mixing them together thoroughly.

Step 9

Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and sauce.

Step 10

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12

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

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2341.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4492.2

Total Fat 237.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 98.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 673.4mg	0%
Sodium 9230.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 365.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.3g	0%
Total Sugars 56.4g
Protein 232.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3528.4mg	0%
Iron 28.2mg	0%
Potassium 4917.5mg	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: 47.2%

Protein: 20.5%

Carbs: 32.3%