This Italian Bake is a hearty, cheesy casserole packed with tender chicken, savory Italian sausage, and pasta coated in rich spaghetti sauce. It’s the perfect comfort meal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. The combination of gooey melted cheese, flavorful meats, and colorful bell peppers makes every bite irresistible.
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility—you can switch up the pasta, use different cheeses, or add extra vegetables for a more personalized touch. Since everything is pre-cooked before baking, the flavors meld together beautifully in the oven, resulting in a satisfying, cheesy, and bubbling Italian-inspired meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Loaded with Flavor: Chicken, sausage, and melted cheese create the ultimate comforting bite.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes a large batch that reheats well for leftovers.
• Customizable: Use your favorite pasta, cheese blend, or veggies.
Ingredients
• 3 lbs chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 links Italian sausage, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 jars (or cans) spaghetti sauce (Hunt’s recommended)
• 1 lb pasta (penne, macaroni, shells, or your choice)
• 1 package pizza cheese blend (mozzarella, cheddar, and other cheeses)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers (1 red and 1 green), cut into chunks
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Step 2: Cook the Meat
1. Cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
2. Let them cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage links until browned and cooked through.
4. Let the sausages cool, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, following the package instructions.
2. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
1. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, chicken, sausage, chopped onion, and bell pepper chunks.
2. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Assemble & Bake
1. Transfer the pasta mixture to a large, deep baking dish.
2. Spread it out evenly in the dish.
3. Sprinkle the shredded pizza cheese blend over the top, covering it completely.
4. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
1. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad.
Tips for Success
• Use different sausages for a milder or spicier flavor.
• Add mushrooms, olives, or spinach for extra vegetables.
• For a crispy cheese topping, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
Storage Options
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
• Freeze: Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
