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This filling pasta bake mixes hearty spaghetti with savory Italian sausage and a trio of cheeses for a truly satisfying comfort dish.
Key Components:
- Italian sausage: Brings deep taste
- Cheese blend: Mozzarella, cream cheese, ricotta
- Marinara sauce: Two 24-oz containers
- Onion and fresh garlic: Adds complexity
- Dried oregano: Traditional Italian flavor
- Red pepper flakes: For extra kick if wanted
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Step-by-Step Guide:
- Get Everything Ready
- Cook sausage with onions
- Boil spaghetti until just tender
- Create cheese mixture
- Warm oven to 375°F
- Create Cheese Blend
- Mix room temp cream cheese
- Stir in Parmesan and ricotta
- Add herbs and spices
- Put aside for later
- Assemble Your Dish
- Combine pasta with meat mixture
- Put half in your baking dish
- Layer with cheese blend
- Top with leftover pasta
- Cook Until Done
- Sprinkle mozzarella on top
- Bake for 25-30 minutes
- Quick broil if you want
- Let it sit before eating
- Cool slightly before cutting
Keeping It Fresh:
Stays good in fridge for 2-3 days. You can freeze it uncooked too.
Fantastic Accompaniments:
Try it with some buttery garlic bread and a simple Caesar salad.
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Pro Suggestions:
- Use freshly shredded cheese
- Taste and adjust each layer
- Verify flavor before baking
- Don't leave broiler unattended
I've learned from making countless pasta dishes that the right layering method and proper cheese temp really make a difference in how the casserole turns out.
Recipe FAQs
- → Why cook pasta less?
- It prevents being too soft after baking.
- → What cheese can be swapped in?
- Try any Italian cheese mix, but keep the cream cheese base.
- → Okay to prepare in advance?
- You can prep it the day before. Just bake 10-15 minutes longer.
- → Can I freeze this?
- Yes, it’s freezer-friendly for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight.
- → Too much sauce issue?
- Extra sauce keeps it moist for leftovers.