This Sausage and Peppers Baked Pasta is one of our heartier make-ahead freezer meals, and it is filled with all the good stuff; tender gluten-free pasta, juicy Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, an robust marinara dance together beneath a layer of a melted Italian cheese blend.
Sausage and Peppers is a dinner that presents beautifully, is delicious and nutritious, and is an overall hit. A Sausage and Peppers Baked Pasta does all that and more, because that baked pasta vibe brings a level of comfort that is just what the doctor ordered. We especially love its convenient nature, which is all due to its make-ahead freezer meal nature.
Our Sausage and Peppers Baked Pasta is one of our heartier make-ahead freezer meals, and it is filled with all the good stuff: tender gluten-free pasta, juicy Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and robust marinara dance together beneath a layer of a melted Italian cheese blend. It truly is the kind of dinner that makes everyone rush home for dinner.
The thing it doesn’t make you rush home to is chaos. Our heart is to make your life easier and to give you back time so you can do all the things you love, and this recipe is part of the arsenal that makes that happen. After browning the Italian sausage, you simply dump the rest of the ingredients into a casserole dish and freeze until you’re ready for it. After about an hour in the oven, you’ll have a gourmet comfort meal ready to plate for all the people you love.
And you’ll have gained back so much time and energy all because you chose to give this freezer meal thing a chance. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make it happen.
Why You’ll Love this Sausage and Peppers Freezer Meal
One Pot Wonder: With everything assembled and baked in one dish, it is easy to prepare and makes cleaning up a breeze.
Nutritious: Packed with protein from the sausage and vitamins and nutrients from the vegetables, this dish offers a well-balanced dinner option.
Portable: This is the perfect option for a potluck, an event, or to bless someone you love.
Sausage and Peppers Baked Pasta
This Sausage and Peppers Baked Pasta is one of our heartier make-ahead freezer meals, and it is filled with all the good stuff; tender gluten-free pasta, juicy Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, an robust marinara dance together beneath a layer of a melted Italian cheese blend.
Turkey or Chicken Sausage: Substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter, leaner option that is still flavorful.
Spaghetti Sauce: If you’d like to add flavor, consider using a spaghetti sauce instead of a marinara. Spaghetti sauces typically contain more seasonings, so this will deepen the flavor profile.
Additions:
Spinach: An easy addition, a cup of chopped spinach increases the nutritional value of the dish, and it pairs well with the flavor of the sausage and marinara.
How to Reheat and Store Sausage and Peppers Baked Pasta?
Best Way To Store Leftover Easy Sausage Peppers Pasta Bake Recipe?
Leftover easy sausage peppers baked pasta is best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. To make sure your leftovers remain fresh, allow the leftovers to cool before storing.
How Long Will Sausage and Peppers Baked Pasta Last In the Fridge?
When properly stored and cooled to room temperature, leftover sausage and peppers baked pasta will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-5 days. Without proper cooling or storing, your leftovers will spoil quicker than usual.
Can I Freeze Quick Sausage and Peppers Pasta Dinner?
Our method involves prepping the recipe and freezing raw, so the first time cooked is fresh and delicious. To prep this recipe as a raw freezer meal, retrieve a 9X13 pan/dish and label with dish and date. Then brown your sausage in a skillet and set aside to cool. Next, mix remaining ingredients in 9×13 pan, stir in browned sausage once cooled. Then cover and freeze for up to three months.
If you are looking to freeze leftovers, it is perfectly safe to do so, when you thaw and reheat to eat the leftovers, beware that the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Allow the recipe to cool before placing in resealable freezer bags, remove excess air and seal. Freezer safe for up to three months if stored properly.
How to Reheat Best Freezer Meal Sausage Bake?
This recipe is best reheated in the oven, on the stovetop or in the microwave. To do so in the oven, preheat oven to 325, and place desired amount of leftovers on a safe oven dish, then reheat for 10-20 minutes or until heated through. On the stovetop, go ahead and warm up a skillet to medium heat, with a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking. Then reheated desired amount of leftovers on the skillet stirring occasionally until heated through.
The easiest reheating method, but also the most likely to change flavor and texture if overheated, is the microwave. Reheat in short bursts of 30-45 seconds, stirring between each interval until heated evenly through the leftovers.
Sausage Bell Pepper Pasta Bake FAQs
What type of sausage is best for Sausage and Peppers Baked Pasta?
Traditionally, pork sausage is used for Sausage and Peppers Baked Pasta. Pork sausage is flavorful and juicy, making it a perfect component of a Sausage and Pepper dish. However, both turkey and chicken sausage are easily substituted to accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences.
Can Sausage and Peppers Baked Pasta be made gluten-free?
It is easy to alter Sausage and Peppers Baked Pasta to make it gluten-free. Just be sure the sausage and marinara are gluten-free and opt for a gluten-free pasta.
What type of pasta is best for Sausage and Peppers Baked Pasta?
One of the most popular types of pasta for Sausage and Peppers Baked Pasta is rigatoni, but some alternatives are penne ziti, or even shells. If you’re looking for a gluten-free pasta, our favorite types are brown rice or red lentil pasta.
What are some fun variations of Sausage and Peppers?
Transforming Sausage and Peppers to a baked pasta is one fun variation, but you can also make a spicy or a cheesy version.
What is sausage traditionally made of?
Traditional sausage is typically made from a combination of ground meat, such as pork, beef, or chicken, fat salt and a variety of spices. The mixture is then stuffed into a casing and then cured, smoked, or cooked depending on the specific type of sausage being made.
How do you cook Italian Sausage without drying it out?
To cook Italian Sausage without drying it out, use gentle heat, and avoid cooking it for too long. Start by searing the sausage over medium heat until they develop a golden brown crust on the outside. Then, lower heat and continue cooking slowly until they are cooked all the way through, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Adding a splash of chicken broth or beer to the skillet can help the sausages moist.
What can I substitute to make a Sausage and Peppers recipe healthier?
To make a Sausage and Peppers recipe healthier, you could substitute the pork sausage for chicken or turkey sausage. Another way to increase nutrition is to toss in some additional vegetables, like peppers and onions. Using whole grain or low carb alternatives to pasta or bread also helps boost the nutritional value of your meal.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
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Kim says:
Quick question, do I cook the pasta first?
Hannah Stewart says:
Not necessary to cook pasta before hand!