Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner that combines rotini pasta, pre-cooked Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and melted provolone cheese. This one-dish meal is ready in 30 minutes and is perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) Rotini or Penne Pasta
- 1 pound (450g) Pre-Cooked Italian Sausage (spicy or mild), sliced or chopped
- 24–28 oz (680-800g) Jarred Marinara Sauce
- 2 cups (200g) Provolone Cheese, sliced or shredded
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water
- Optional: 1/2 cup sliced Mushrooms, 1 cup fresh Spinach, 1/2 cup Cottage Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, slice the pre-cooked sausage into coins or bite-sized pieces.
- Spread the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Add the drained pasta, chopped sausage, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the baking dish.
- Add optional vegetables (mushrooms/spinach) if using. Pour in 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Layer the provolone cheese over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. If browning too fast, cover loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken.
- Serve immediately with garlic bread or a green salad.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven. Use pre-cooked sausage to save time. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as anti-caking agents can prevent smooth melting. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: sausage pasta bake, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, one pot meal, family dinner, quick meals, comfort food, provolone cheese