My son has declared this his new favorite dinner. I said good, it’s easy enough for you to make for us
For Italian food lovers seeking a simple, delicious, one-pan meal, this cheesy Italian bake recipe is a winner. Combining classic flavors like tomato sauce, pasta, sausage, and veggies, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll make time and again.
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Choosing the Right Pasta for Baking
When selecting pasta for baking casseroles, opt for shapes that hold sauce well, such as:
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- Rigatoni
- Large shells
- Wagon wheels
- Lasagna noodles
- Pipe rigate
These sturdier pastas maintain their shape and don’t become mushy throughout the baking process.
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Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 1/2 lbs | Chicken breasts, diced |
| 1 lb | Italian sausage, sliced |
| 1 | Onion, chopped |
| 2 | Red bell peppers, chopped |
| 1/2 tsp | Italian seasoning |
| 1 lb | Pasta, cooked al dente |
| 2 cups | Shredded mozzarella |
| 2 jars | Pasta sauce |
| 2 tbsp | Olive oil |
| To taste | Salt and pepper |
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken and sausage for 5 minutes.
- Add onion and bell peppers, cooking until softened.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Combine pasta, meat mixture, and sauce in a baking dish.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes, covered. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy Italian bake! 🍝
