Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin

Introduction

When it comes to cozy, heartwarming meals, nothing beats a bubbling pasta dish fresh from the
 oven. This Oven-Baked  Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin combines all the elements of comfort food in one delicious recipe. Featuring tender pasta, savory Italian  sausage, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, it’s finished with a golden, cheesy crust that will make your kitchen smell irresistible.

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Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this pasta gratin is a true crowd-pleaser. Much like Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs or Basic Vegetable Soup, it’s simple to make and bursting with flavor.

This dish also reheats beautifully, making it a perfect option for leftovers or lunch the next day. Get ready to make this recipe part of your family’s meal rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin is destined to become a favorite:

    One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.

    Cheesy Comfort: A luscious layer of mozzarella and Parmesan makes every bite indulgent.

   
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    Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead of time, then bake when ready to serve.

    Customizable: Swap out ingredients to match your family’s tastes or dietary needs.

    Perfect for Gatherings: Great for potlucks, dinner parties, or a cozy night in.

Ingredients–Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin
Here’s what you’ll need to create this hearty and satisfying pasta gratin:

    12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni work best)

    1 pound Italian sausage, sliced

   
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8 ounces mushrooms, sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream


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1 cup chicken broth

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon dried oregano


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    1 teaspoon dried thyme

    ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Optional Additions:

    Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra color and flavor.

    A pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin
7 Steps to Make Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin – Comfort Food Favorite
Step-by-Step Instructions – How to Make Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.

    Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  
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    Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

    In the same skillet, sauté diced onion until translucent.

    Add garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms are tender and golden brown.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

    Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.

    Simmer the mixture for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

    Stir in Parmesan cheese, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

    Return the cooked pasta and sausage to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated with sauce.

    Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

    Baking ingredients online

    Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.

    Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

    Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Expert Tips for Success

    Cook Pasta Al Dente: The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so don’t overcook it initially.

    Use Quality Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and adds richer flavor.

    Go for Depth of Flavor: Brown the sausage well and let the mushrooms caramelize for maximum taste.

    Add Crunch: Top with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan for a crispy topping.

    Meal Prep Hack: Assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate. Bake the next day for a quick dinner.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin with these sides for a complete meal:

    A fresh green salad with tangy vinaigrette.

    Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls.

    A light soup, like Basic Vegetable Soup.

    Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts.

    Roasting pan

Variations


    Vegetarian Twist: Replace 

     sausage with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant.

    Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

    Extra Protein: Add shredded chicken or shrimp for a surf-and-turf experience.

    Low-Carb Version: Swap the pasta for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.

    Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes.

Storage and Reheating

    Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

    Freezer: Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in foil for best results.

    Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave individual portions.

Pro Tip: If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

    Calories: 495

    Protein: 23g

    Carbohydrates: 39g

    Fat: 30g

    Saturated Fat: 13g

    Fiber: 2g

    Sodium: 880mg

Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin
7 Steps to Make Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin – Comfort Food Favorite
FAQs – Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the gratin up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

Q2: What mushrooms work best for this recipe?
Cremini, baby bella, or white button mushrooms are perfect. For a gourmet touch, try shiitake or oyster mushrooms.

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Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully, either baked or unbaked. Just thaw overnight before reheating.

Q4: How can I make it lighter?
Swap
 heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of cream and milk, and reduce the

 cheese slightly.
Final Thoughts

This Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin is a delicious, satisfying recipe that blends creamy pasta, savory sausage, and earthy mushrooms under a bubbly, golden cheese topping. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or simply enjoying a cozy night at home.

Add this dish to your dinner rotation and watch it become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, you’ll end up with a meal that delivers comfort in every bite.

For even more baked pasta inspiration, explore recipes on Allrecipes and keep your kitchen full of comforting, homemade dishes.