Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a cheesy, baked pasta dish, especially when it’s brimming with savory sausage, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together. This Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin takes weeknight dinners to the next level with its bubbling golden top, hearty flavors, and irresistible aroma. Perfect for cozy family meals or potluck gatherings, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty & filling – Packed with sausage, mushrooms, and pasta for a complete one-dish meal.

• Comfort food classic – Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection.

• Easy prep – Simple steps that come together in under an hour.

• Crowd-pleasing – Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you need leftovers.

Ingredients

• Pasta (penne or rigatoni): 12 ounces

• Italian sausage, sliced: 1 pound

• Mushrooms, sliced: 8 ounces

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

• Small onion, diced: 1

• Garlic, minced: 3 cloves

• Heavy cream: 1 cup

• Chicken broth: 1 cup

• Grated Parmesan cheese: 1 cup

• Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup

• Salt and pepper: To taste

• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon

• Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon

• Chopped fresh parsley: ¼ cup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep & Cook Pasta
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Sausage & Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms are tender.

Step 3: Make the Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Combine & Bake
Return the sausage to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated. Transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Swap the protein: Try chicken sausage or even ground turkey for a lighter version.

• Make it veggie-packed: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.

• Make ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta gratin pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. For a complete Italian-inspired dinner, serve alongside roasted vegetables and a glass of red wine.

Recipe Card

Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

• Servings: 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 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup grated Parmesan

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• 1 tsp oregano

• 1 tsp thyme

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta until al dente; drain.

2. Brown sausage in olive oil; remove. Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms.

3. Add cream and broth; simmer. Stir in Parmesan, herbs, salt, and pepper.

4. Return sausage and pasta to skillet; toss. Transfer to baking dish.

5. Top with mozzarella; bake 20–25 min until bubbly. Garnish with parsley.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin is everything you want in a baked pasta—hearty, cheesy, creamy, and satisfying. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s a dish you’ll be proud to serve whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering.