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Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin

If you’re craving a dish that delivers pure comfort, rich flavor, and effortless elegance, this Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin is the answer. Creamy, hearty, and crowned with a golden blanket of melted cheese, this recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into a soul-warming meal that feels restaurant-worthy yet wonderfully homemade.

Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or feeding a hungry family, this one-dish wonder brings together savory Italian sausage, earthy mushrooms, tender pasta, and a luxurious cream sauce baked to bubbly perfection. It’s the kind of meal everyone asks for again—and again.

Ingredients & Why Each One Matters

Pasta (penne or rigatoni) – 12 oz: Short, ridged pasta holds onto the creamy sauce, ensuring flavor in every bite.
Italian sausage – 1 lb: Adds bold, savory depth and satisfying protein that anchors the dish.
Mushrooms – 8 oz: Bring earthy richness and balance the creaminess with natural umami.
Olive oil – 2 tbsp: Provides a flavorful base for sautéing and enhances the overall richness.
Small onion – 1, diced: Builds sweetness and aromatic complexity.
Garlic – 3 cloves: Infuses the sauce with warm, savory notes.
Heavy cream – 1 cup: Creates a velvety, indulgent sauce.
Chicken broth – 1 cup: Lightens the cream and adds savory balance.
Parmesan cheese – 1 cup: Adds salty, nutty depth and thickens the sauce.
Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup: Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy top.
Dried oregano & thyme – 1 tsp each: Provide classic Italian warmth and aroma.
Salt & pepper: Essential for bringing all flavors together.
Fresh parsley – ¼ cup: Adds freshness and a pop of color before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside—this prevents mushy pasta after baking.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage & Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced Italian sausage and cook until browned and caramelized. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms release their moisture and become tender.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Let simmer gently until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Gratin

Return sausage and pasta to the skillet, tossing until evenly coated. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish and sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Why This Recipe Is So Loved

One-dish convenience with minimal cleanup
Perfect balance of creamy, savory, and cheesy flavors
Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Make-ahead friendly and reheats beautifully

Pro Tips for the Best Pasta Gratin

Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
Brown the sausage well for deeper, richer taste.
Don’t overcook the pasta—it will finish cooking in the oven.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta gratin with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete, comforting meal. A light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Oven-Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, bold flavors, and a creamy, cheesy finish, it’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or simply yourself, this dish delivers warmth, satisfaction, and unforgettable flavor—every single time.