Best Italian Bake

If you enjoy eating Italian food and you’re looking for an easy, one-dish meal, then you will absolutely love this Italian bake recipe.

In addition to the step-by-step instructions on the recipe, you will have access to answers to some frequently asked questions, as well as some helpful tips to make the perfect Italian bake. 

I love this best Italian bake because I can combine everything and place it in one dish, and it’s a full meal ready to be served once it’s done.

In addition, it tastes so delicious that you will want to keep going back for additional bites.

Turned out so well! I will definitely be making it again!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Which Pasta is Good for Baking?

There are certain types of pasta that are better to use when baking, and they are as follows:

• Rigatoni
• Spaghetti
• Large Shells
• Lasagne
• Pipe Rigate
• Wagon Wheels

Do you Boil Pasta Before Baking?

In many cases, it’s necessary to boil your pasta before placing it in the oven, because, depending on the recipe and the cooking time, it may not soften up. However, there are some types of pasta that state they’re oven ready, meaning it’s not necessary to boil before baking. 

Why is My Pasta Bake Watery?

Your pasta is likely watery because of the steam produced during the boiling process. To rectify the problem, add a tablespoon of corn starch to the bake and stir. You might also need to cook it a bit longer.

Do you Bake Pasta Covered or Uncovered?

You want to ensure you cover the pasta bake before placing it in the oven, as you don’t want it to burn or become too crunchy on top, before the bake is ready. 

How to Serve the Best Italian Bake?

You can serve your best Italian bake with a side salad and bread, with vegetables, or just a biscuit. You might even come up with additional ways for serving your dish, and there is no wrong way to serve it. 

Tips:

• Tip # 1 – refrain from overcooking the Italian bake, as it can become dried out and unappealing if you cook it too long or too fast. 
• Tip # 2 – follow the recipe as closely as possible. By following the recipe precisely, you minimize your chances of your Italian bake being a disaster. 

Variations:

The sky is the limit when it comes to varying how you make your best Italian bake. You can make any substitutions that you need to make, and even add in extra ingredients that you want to use to customize your meal. 

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Italian sausage links
• Onion
• Red bell peppers
• Italian seasoning
• Pasta of your choosing cooked to al dente
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Jars Pasta sauce
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make the best Italian Bake:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Step 2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high.

Step 3. Add the sausage and chicken to the skillet and saute for about 5 minutes.

Step 4. Place the bell pepper into the skillet.

Then add the onion.

Step 5. Saute until the vegetables are softened and the meat is cooked through.

Step 6. Stir in the Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7. Drain the excess fat from the skillet.

Step 8. Stir together the pasta, meat mixture and the sauce.

Step 9. Pour the mixture into a large baking dish or two smaller ones.

Step 10. Top wth the mozzarella cheese.

Step 11. Bake for 30 minutes.

PIN this Italian recipe for later 🙂

How to Store the Best Italian Bake?

If you have leftovers after making the best Italian bake, then to store the leftovers, place them in an airtight container similar to Tupperware, then place in fridge ( or freezer). 

How to Reheat the Best Italian Bake?

It’s easy to reheat this best Italian bake. If you want to reheat it in individual portions, you can place each portion in a microwave-safe dish, place a wet paper towel over it and heat it for 1 minute. If it’s not hot enough, add additional time, in 30-second intervals, until hot. 

How Long Does the Best Italian Bake Last in the Fridge?

If you properly store your leftover Italian bake before placing it in the fridge, then it can last for up to four days. If you can’t eat it before the four-day period passes, then you can freeze it for up to three months. 

Can I Make the Best Italian Bake Ahead of Time?

If it would be more convenient to make this recipe ahead of time, then by all means, do so. It’s easy to make this classic Italian bake in advance, even if it’s necessary to freeze it before you’re able to reheat and serve it. 

Related Recipes you Might Enjoy:

Since you obviously love Italian food, here are three additional recipes that you might like:

Italian Drunken Noodles– this amazing recipe is Italian and very tasty. 

Grandma’s Italian Meatballs – there’s nothing more appealing than Italian-flavored meatballs.

Italian Rigatoni Bake – this is another Italian bake that you’re bound to love!