If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and savory Italian favorite, this Three Cheese Italian Sausage Alfredo Bake Recipe is absolutely perfect for your next meal. It beautifully combines tender penne pasta, rich Alfredo sauce, and a medley of three luscious cheeses alongside hearty Italian sausage to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy everyone around the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner, this bake is an effortless way to impress with layers of creamy goodness and a golden, bubbly topping that no one can resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing its part to deliver a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and cheesy flavors with hints of herbs and garlic that round out every bite.
- Italian sausage (1½ pounds): Adds a rich, meaty depth and slight spice that infuses the entire dish.
- Penne pasta (16 oz): Its ridged tubes hold the sauce beautifully, making each mouthful saucy and satisfying.
- Alfredo sauce (22 oz jar): The creamy sauce base that brings everything together with lush, buttery flavor.
- Sour cream (8 oz): Introduces a subtle tang that brightens and balances the richness.
- Ricotta cheese (15 oz): Adds a smooth, creamy texture and mild sweetness that enhances the blend of cheeses.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides aromatic warmth and a classic Italian touch.
- Large eggs (2, lightly beaten): Helps bind the ingredients for a perfect set bake.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): A sharp, nutty accent that deepens the flavor profile.
- Chopped fresh parsley (¼ cup): Offers a fresh herbal note and lovely color contrast.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts to a gooey, golden topping that’s irresistible.
How to Make Three Cheese Italian Sausage Alfredo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures that your cheesy masterpiece won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Cook the Italian Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s no longer pink. This step is key to infusing your bake with savory, meaty goodness. Once cooked through, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Cook and Combine the Pasta Mixture
Prepare the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and return it to the pot. While the pasta is still warm, stir in the cooked sausage, Alfredo sauce, sour cream, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan, and fresh parsley. Mixing all these rich, creamy ingredients while the pasta is warm ensures everything melds together into one creamy, flavorful mixture.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Pour the pasta and sausage mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Generously sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese to create a gooey, melty, bubbly crust once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the mozzarella is beautifully melted and golden. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is absolutely heavenly and will surely have everyone rushing to the table.
How to Serve Three Cheese Italian Sausage Alfredo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few red pepper flakes can brighten the rich, creamy layers and add a pop of color. If you love a bit of zest, freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil adds a delicate finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty Italian bread are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, while steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans bring freshness and a bit of crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic family-style meal, serve the bake straight from the casserole dish with plenty of serving spoons so everyone can dig in. Alternatively, layering the pasta mixture in individual ramekins before baking makes for a charming, personalized presentation that’s perfect for special occasions or dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the Three Cheese Italian Sausage Alfredo Bake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent leftover option that tastes just as good when reheated gently.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, assemble the bake in a freezer-safe container but do not bake. Wrap it well to prevent freezer burn, and it will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through, about 20 to 25 minutes. For quicker reheating, use a microwave on medium power in intervals, stirring gently between each to maintain the creamy texture without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef or even ground turkey can be substituted if you prefer a leaner option. Just season it with Italian herbs to keep the flavor profile similar to the sausage.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the penne pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The creamy sauce and cheeses remain just as delicious, and it’s a fantastic option for those avoiding gluten.
How spicy is this dish?
The traditional Italian sausage used often has a mild to moderate spice level, but it depends on the brand. If you prefer less heat, opt for sweet Italian sausage or reduce the quantity slightly.
Can I prepare this recipe without eggs?
While eggs help bind the ingredients, you can omit them if needed. Just be aware the bake might be a bit creamier and less set but still delicious and satisfying.
What type of Alfredo sauce works best?
Using a high-quality jarred Alfredo sauce is totally fine for convenience; however, homemade Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan will elevate the dish if you have the time. Both ways yield delicious results.
Final Thoughts
This Three Cheese Italian Sausage Alfredo Bake Recipe truly brings heartwarming comfort to any dinner table with its irresistible layers of creamy cheeses, tender sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become such a favorite for gatherings and family meals. Dive into this cozy dish soon and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite—you won’t regret it!
Print
Three Cheese Italian Sausage Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Three Cheese Italian Sausage Alfredo Bake is a comforting, creamy pasta casserole featuring savory Italian sausage combined with a rich Alfredo sauce, tangy sour cream, and a blend of three cheeses—ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty dish perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family meal, baked to bubbly perfection with a golden cheesy topping.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1½ pounds Italian sausage (casings removed)
Pasta
- 1 (16-oz) package penne pasta
Sauces & Dairy
- 1 (22-oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 (8-oz) container sour cream
- 1 (15-oz) container ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
Cheeses & Cheese Toppings
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
Seasonings & Herbs
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink and fully cooked through. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Prepare Pasta and Mix Ingredients: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Immediately add the cooked sausage, Alfredo sauce, sour cream, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, lightly beaten eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the combined pasta mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Evenly sprinkle the top with the shredded mozzarella cheese for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top has melted and begun to turn golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute penne pasta with rigatoni or ziti if preferred.
- For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- Make sure to drain the cooked sausage well to avoid excess grease in the bake.
- The eggs help bind the casserole together, but if you prefer, you can omit them for a slightly looser texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley before serving for a fresh touch.
