Description
This rich and savory Creamy Sausage Alfredo Bake is the ultimate comfort food. With tender pasta, flavorful sausage, and a velvety Alfredo sauce, it’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet)
- 16 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Remove any excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes (do not boil). Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, sausage, and Alfredo sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle Mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the dish rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente (firm to the bite) before mixing with the sauce. This prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil the Sauce: When making the Alfredo sauce, keep the heat at a simmer to avoid the cream separating, which can result in a grainy texture.
- Rest After Baking: Allow the bake to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.
- Prep Time: 15 MIN
- Cook Time: 35 MIN