Italian Hot Dish is a comforting and hearty casserole that brings together the rich flavors of Italian cuisine in a single, satisfying meal. This dish layers tender pasta with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection. The combination of spices and herbs, along with the melted cheese and perfectly cooked pasta, makes this hot dish a family favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. It’s easy to prepare and full of flavor, making it a go-to recipe when you need something delicious and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup water
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and water. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the hot dish: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the sausage and sauce mixture. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese over the sauce, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta, and cheeses.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the hot dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
Enjoy your Italian Hot Dish as a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful meal that’s sure to warm you up and leave everyone asking for seconds!
