This was my first time trying a dish like this, and it did not disappoint — absolutely delicious! There’s something so comforting about a baked pasta, and this sausage and mushroom pasta gratin perfectly captures that cozy, homey feeling. - Recipes Website

This was my first time trying a dish like this, and it did not disappoint — absolutely delicious! There’s something so comforting about a baked pasta, and this sausage and mushroom pasta gratin perfectly captures that cozy, homey feeling.

Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin
Serves 6

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)

  • 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced

  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the sausage slices, then remove and set aside.

  4. In the same skillet, sauté the onion until translucent. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms soften.

  5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Let simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

  6. Stir in Parmesan, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Return the cooked pasta and sausage to the skillet, mixing everything thoroughly.

  7. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella on top.

  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

  9. Let cool a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.

Variations & Tips:
For a lighter dish, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk. Want a spicy kick? Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Vegetarians can simply skip the sausage and add extra mushrooms or fresh spinach. Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar to create your own signature flavor.