Best Italian Bake
This Best Italian Bake is a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole loaded with pasta, tender chicken, flavorful Italian sausage, and plenty of melted mozzarella. It’s the perfect weeknight comfort dish or potluck favorite—rich, saucy, and satisfying. Everything comes together easily in one baking dish, making cleanup simple and the flavors beautifully layered. Serve it with garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta, cooked until al dente
- 2 jars spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, cut into chunks
- 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 1 lb Italian sausages, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté chicken and sausage for 5 minutes.
- Add onion and bell peppers; cook until meat is fully done.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; drain excess fat.
- Combine cooked pasta, spaghetti sauce, and the meat-vegetable mixture.
- Transfer to a large baking dish and top with mozzarella.
- Bake 30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: ~520 kcal per serving | Servings: 8
Tips
- Use al dente pasta so it stays firm through baking.
- Let the casserole rest slightly so the sauce thickens and portions serve neatly.
FAQ
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes—penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the sauce especially well.
Can I substitute the sausage?
Mild, hot, or even turkey sausage works great.
Is it freezable?
Yes—assemble, top with cheese, and freeze unbaked. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini work well in this bake.
Can I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for extra heat.
