This cheesy chicken sausage pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food dinner. Tender pasta is tossed with savory chicken sausage, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden on top. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a hungry family.
With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish comes together easily and can be assembled ahead of time. The combination of flavorful sausage and gooey cheese makes every bite warm and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
A handful of everyday ingredients come together to create this crowd-pleasing baked pasta.
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (about 24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta Bake
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until lightly browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the Pepper Jack and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Tips, Variations & Storage
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become too soft while baking.
- Use spicy chicken sausage for extra heat, or rely on the Pepper Jack cheese for a mild kick.
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more texture.
- Assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta shape that holds sauce well works beautifully in this recipe.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
Can I freeze this pasta bake?
Yes, it can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
How do I keep the pasta from drying out?
Make sure the pasta is well coated in sauce before baking and cover loosely with foil if needed during reheating.
Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Remove the casings from the sausage and crumble the meat.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the sausage, onion, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes until the sausage is browned and the onions are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and heavy cream. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, then stir in 1½ cups of the shredded Pepper Jack cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish and top with the remaining ½ cup of Pepper Jack cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.