Introduction

There’s something magical about a bubbling pasta bake fresh from the oven. The golden, melted cheese on top, the savory aroma filling your kitchen, and that first spoonful of creamy, hearty goodness—it’s pure comfort in every bite.

This Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin is everything you want in a family-friendly comfort food recipe. Tender pasta, seasoned Italian sausage, and earthy mushrooms come together in a rich, creamy sauce, then get topped with mozzarella and Parmesan for the perfect finishing touch.

Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner recipe to feed a hungry family, a cozy meal for a weekend gathering, or a make-ahead pasta dish that reheats beautifully, this gratin delivers every time. It’s hearty, satisfying, and made with simple ingredients you already love.

 

 

What You’ll Need

• Pasta (penne or rigatoni) – 12 ounces
• Italian sausage – 1 pound, sliced
• Mushrooms – 8 ounces, sliced
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Onion – 1 small, diced
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Heavy cream – 1 cup
• Chicken broth – 1 cup
• Parmesan cheese – 1 cup, grated
• Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup, shredded
• Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon
• Dried thyme – 1 teaspoon
• Salt and pepper – To taste
• Fresh parsley – ¼ cup, chopped

 

 

How to Make Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin

1. Prep the Pasta – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
2. Cook the Sausage & Veggies – Heat olive oil in a skillet, brown sausage, then set aside. In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until tender.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce – Add heavy cream and chicken broth, simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine & Assemble – Stir pasta and sausage back into the skillet. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella.
5. Bake & Garnish – Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Garnish with parsley before serving.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and filling – A one-pan meal that satisfies big appetites.
• Family-friendly – Kids love the cheesy top, adults love the savory flavors.
• Easy weeknight dinner – Simple steps, pantry staples, and minimal cleanup.
• Restaurant-style flavor – Feels gourmet, but simple enough for a Tuesday night.

 

Tips for Success

• Cook pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
• For extra flavor, use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on preference.
• Grate your own cheese—it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
• Let the gratin rest 5 minutes before serving for easier scooping.

 

Variations

• Spinach Gratin – Stir in fresh spinach before baking.
• Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.
• Three-Cheese Bake – Mix mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
• Vegetarian Option – Swap sausage for roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers.

 

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I freeze it?
Absolutely! Bake, cool, then wrap tightly. Freeze up to 2 months. Reheat covered in the oven.

3. What pasta works best?
Short, sturdy pasta like rigatoni, penne, or ziti.

4. Can I lighten the sauce?
Yes, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

5. Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

6. Can I use ground sausage instead of sliced?
Yes, just crumble and brown before adding to the sauce.

7. How do I keep it from drying out?
Make sure pasta is coated in sauce before baking and don’t overbake.

8. Can I add wine to the sauce?
A splash of white wine adds depth—reduce it before adding cream.

9. Can I make it spicy?
Yes, use hot Italian sausage or add chili flakes.

10. What sides go with this?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.

 

 

Health Benefits

While rich and indulgent, this gratin also offers protein from sausage, calcium from cheese, and fiber from mushrooms. Using whole-grain pasta or extra vegetables can make it even more nourishing.

 

How to Serve

• Family dinner centerpiece with salad and bread
• Meal-prep lunches—portion into containers
• Potluck dish everyone will request again

 

Make Ahead & Storage

• Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 1 day before baking.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

 

Conclusion

This Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin is the kind of dish that makes people gather around the table. It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying without being fussy. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this recipe brings comfort and flavor together in one pan. Once you try it, it may just become your new go-to pasta bake.