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Creamy Stuffed Italian Sausage Bake

A hearty and comforting casserole featuring pasta, creamy cheeses, and savory Italian sausage, topped with fresh basil and Parmesan.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cheeses
  • 2 cups penne or rigatoni pasta Cook according to package instructions
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Meat and Sauce
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (Halal)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
Vegetables and Seasoning
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
  • Fresh basil For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by cooking the penne or rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Crumble the Halal Italian sausage into the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Assembly
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan. Layer this mixture over the cooked pasta in a large baking dish.
  2. Add the cooked sausage mixture to the pasta and cheese; pour marinara sauce on top. Gently toss to combine all ingredients.
  3. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  2. Once out of the oven, let it sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, then serve hot.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, feel free to swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative that adheres to halal guidelines. Don’t skip allowing the dish to rest after baking to help set the sauces.