Need a quick and tasty fix for dinna? Doesn't get easier than this 4-ingredient bake

Lindsay Mattison

Contributing Writer

Do you know what I love about the recipe below? It couldn't be easier to make. All you need is a few pantry staples, your favorite shape of pasta, and some cheese. Just like that, you can whip up a homemade meal that will be ready in about 30 minutes. It's hearty and full of flavor, too, so your dinner guests will think you spent all day getting things ready.

We make our recipe with Italian sausage because it's already perfectly seasoned. If you prefer, you could swap in ground beef or leftover shredded chicken - just make sure to add in a tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Almost any meat will taste delicious in this easy Italian-style casserole, so feel free to get creative. You could also swap in mushrooms for the meat, too, if you want to keep things vegetarian.

Cooktop Cove

How to make Easy Italian baked pasta casserole

10 minutes

30 minutes

40 minutes

8-ounces (1/2 box) uncooked penne pasta

1 pound mild Italian sausage

1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook the pasta according to the package direction. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 casserole dish with nonstick spray and set aside.

In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat. Cook until the sausage is browned all over, about 10 minutes.

Stir in the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top it with the shredded mozzarella.

Bake for 20 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and the cheese is melted.

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