Description
Warm, hearty, and bubbling with cheesy goodness, this Oven Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin is the ultimate comfort food. Made with savory sausage, earthy mushrooms, creamy sauce, and a golden cheese topping, it’s the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions, this pasta bake is as easy as it is delicious.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
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Families looking for a filling dinner that everyone will enjoy.
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Pasta lovers who want something creamy, cheesy, and comforting.
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Busy cooks who like make-ahead meals that reheat beautifully.
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Anyone looking for a crowd-pleasing dish to serve at potlucks or gatherings.
Why You’ll Love It
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✅ Comfort food classic – cheesy, creamy, and satisfying.
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✅ One-dish wonder – easy prep, bake, and serve.
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✅ Customizable – swap sausage for chicken, beef, or plant-based protein.
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✅ Perfect for leftovers – reheats and freezes well.
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✅ Family-approved and dinner-party worthy.
Ingredients
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12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
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1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
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8 oz mushrooms, sliced
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp olive oil or butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
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1 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Cook the Sausage & Veggies
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add onions, mushrooms, and garlic, sautéing until softened.
Step 3 – Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the sausage mixture and stir. Slowly pour in milk, cream, and broth while whisking. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 4 – Assemble the Gratin
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, combine cooked pasta with the sausage-mushroom sauce. Stir in half of the mozzarella. Top with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.
Step 5 – Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Step 6 – Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Large skillet or pan
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Sauce whisk
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Large pot for pasta
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9×13-inch baking dish
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Oven
Storage
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Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freeze baked gratin (tightly wrapped) for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
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To meal prep: Assemble ahead, refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! Try chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter twist.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. Prepare the dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake before serving.
3. What cheese works best?
Mozzarella gives gooey melt, Parmesan adds sharpness, and Gruyère works beautifully for extra richness.
4. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers make great additions.
5. How do I keep the top crispy?
Use a breadcrumb-Parmesan topping and bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
Conclusion
This Oven Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin is comfort food at its finest—creamy, cheesy, and hearty enough to satisfy the whole family. Easy to make and perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Serve it with a simple salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s as impressive as it is delicious.
