Cream Cheese And Sausage Pasta Bake

A baked pasta dish is classic comfort food. We already know how comforting pasta and sauce is to everyone, but when it’s baked in the oven with tons of cheese, the comfort level goes up and the stresses of our day go down. We can rest easy when we know that a deliciously simple meal like this is waiting for us at the end of the day. A pasta bake is a great way to meal prep; a dish like this can be made on the weekend and either eaten right away or tucked away in the freezer to make a grand appearance later in the week. Our cream cheese sausage pasta bake is an amazing meal that we think is just as good as a weeknight family supper as it is for a dinner party.

The sauce is the true star of the show here and by adding heavy cream and cream cheese to the tomato-based sauce, we’re making something truly special. A package of ground mild Italian sausage is a great way to bring amazing flavor into a pasta sauce, and we really love what it does to make this pasta bake so outstanding. Of course, we add some flair to the sauce with ingredients like fresh minced garlic, a little red pepper flake for just a little bit of heat, and what pasta dish is complete without some fresh basil leaves added into the mix. The next ingredients will turn the sauce into a luxurious creamy coating for all those noodles: cream cheese and heavy cream. Need we say more? These melt into the tomato and sausage sauce, adding an irresistibly rich creaminess that is just too-too good.

Everything else is pretty simple: the noodles go into a prepared casserole dish, get tossed with the creamy pasta sauce, and then we add even more cheese on top just for good measure. Our casserole dish goes into the oven and in a matter of minutes, we’ve got a meal that is hearty, creamy, warm, comforting, and delicious. Good food like this is something that the whole family gets to enjoy, and we love that it doesn’t take a ton of time to whip up a meal that is as hearty as it is comforting. A cream cheese and sausage pasta bake is one of those truly special dishes that we love coming back to because it is just so good!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cream Cheese and Sausage Pasta Bake is a perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it took hours to make without all the effort. Plus, it’s versatile enough for a casual family dinner or a special gathering with friends.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet
• 2-quart casserole dish
• Cooking spray
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Ingredients

• 12 oz tubular pasta, like penne, ziti, or rigatoni
• 1 lb ground mild Italian sausage
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 (24 oz) jar tomato-basil pasta sauce
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook sausage until browned.
4. Pour pasta sauce and diced tomatoes with juices into skillet. Stir to deglaze the pan. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using.
5. Add heavy cream and cream cheese and stir until melted into the sauce. Bring to a simmer then reduce heat to low.
6. Transfer cooked pasta to prepared baking dish. Top with ½ of the mozzarella cheese. Pour sauce over top and stir gently until noodles are evenly coated. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
7. Sprinkle ½ of the basil leaves then bake for 20 minutes or until cheese begins to bubble.
8. Remove from oven to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with remaining basil leaves.

Tips for Success

• Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• Let the dish rest after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.

Additional Tips or Variations

Feel free to swap out the sausage for ground beef or turkey if preferred. You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients. If you’re a cheese lover, experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar or parmesan for a unique twist.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This dish is rich in protein from the sausage and packed with calcium from the cheese. While it’s a hearty meal, you can adjust portion sizes to fit your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What’s the best way to reheat this pasta bake?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for quicker reheating.

Conclusion

This Cream Cheese and Sausage Pasta Bake is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. It’s a dish that invites you to gather around the table and enjoy the comforting flavors together. We hope you give this recipe a try and share your thoughts with us. Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!