Best Italian Bake

The Best Italian Bake is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender pasta, savory meats, and vibrant vegetables in a rich spaghetti sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. This dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a potluck gathering. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Italian-inspired bake that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. pasta of any type, cooked until al dente
• 2 jars spaghetti sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 red bell peppers, cut into chunks
• 1 ½ lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into pieces
• 1 lb. Italian sausages, cut into pieces
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• ½ tsp. Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:

• Heat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

1. Cook the Meats:

• Over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil in a large skillet.
• Sauté the sausage and chicken pieces in the skillet for about 5 minutes.

1. Add Vegetables:

• Stir in the chopped onion and bell pepper chunks.
• Continue to sauté until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

1. Season and Drain:

• Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste.
• Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

1. Combine Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, mix together the cooked meat and vegetable mixture, cooked pasta, and spaghetti sauce until well combined.

1. Assemble the Bake:

• Pour the combined mixture into a large baking dish.
• Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.

1. Bake:

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

1. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Italian Bake

• Pasta Choices: Use any pasta type you prefer. Penne, rigatoni, or ziti work particularly well for this dish.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Options: For a cheesier bake, mix some Parmesan or Romano cheese with the mozzarella.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or extra garlic for more depth of flavor.

Enjoy your Best Italian Bake with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal!