If you have ever dreamed of comfort food that combines creamy, tangy tomato sauce with savory sausage and gooey cheese, then this Baked Pink Sauce Pasta with Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that effortlessly bring together the richness of a pink sauce with the hearty goodness of Italian sausage, all topped with melty mozzarella that bakes to golden perfection. Whether it’s a family dinner or a crowd-pleaser for friends, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate and is surprisingly simple to prepare.

Baked Pink Sauce Pasta with Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients that punch far above their weight in flavor. Each element plays an important role—from the tender shell pasta that cradles the sauce, to the spice-packed Italian sausage that adds depth, and the creamy cheeses that create that luscious, baked topping.

Small shells pasta: Their cup-like shape captures the sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
Italian sausage (casings removed): Adds a savory, spicy kick and a meaty texture that balances the creaminess.
Spaghetti sauce: A rich tomato base that blends seamlessly with cream for a perfect pink sauce.
Heavy cream: Brings the luscious, silky texture to the sauce that makes it so indulgent.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that brightens and complements the tomato and sausage flavors.
Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy pockets that enrich the sauce and add subtle tang.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but just enough heat gives the dish a lively punch.
Shredded Italian cheese blend: Melts perfectly to create a bubbly, golden crust on top.
Fresh mozzarella pearls: Little bursts of creamy cheese throughout that become irresistibly gooey when baked.

How to Make Baked Pink Sauce Pasta with Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF. While it warms, lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray so your pasta won’t stick and cleanup stays easy. Setting this up early ensures a smooth baking process later on.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Cook the small shells pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. This ensures the shells remain firm but tender after baking, giving you that perfect bite. Drain and set the pasta aside—don’t worry about rinsing; you want the sauce to cling well later.

Step 3: Brown the Italian Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high and cook the Italian sausage until it’s fully browned and crumbled. The sausage releases incredible flavor as it cooks, so make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy but maintain that savory depth.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, browned sausage, spaghetti sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, ricotta cheese, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Fold in 1 cup of the shredded Italian cheese blend and the fresh mozzarella pearls, spreading those cheesy gems throughout the mixture. This blend ensures every forkful is rich and packed with flavor.

Step 5: Transfer and Top

Pour the combined pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Italian cheese blend on top. This final layer will bake into a bubbly, golden crust that is simply irresistible.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the pasta for 25 minutes or until you see it bubbling at the edges and the cheese on top melts into a perfectly golden blanket. This final bake melds all the flavors together and creates that signature comfort food crust everyone loves.

How to Serve Baked Pink Sauce Pasta with Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley over the baked pasta just before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the rich, creamy sauce beautifully. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil can also elevate the dish with a silky finish.

Side Dishes

Since this pasta packs a hearty punch on its own, pairing it with simple sides works best. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly, while garlic bread offers the perfect vehicle for mopping up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, bake individual servings in small ramekins to create impressive personal dishes. You can even sprinkle some extra mozzarella before baking these single portions for an ultra-gooey center. For gatherings, consider serving this pasta buffet-style with different toppings like sliced olives, chili flakes, or fresh grated Parmesan to add custom flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Baked Pink Sauce Pasta with Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the cheese from drying out. Gently reheat portions in the microwave or oven for best results.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta dish, but it’s best to do so before baking. Assemble the pasta mixture in a freezer-safe container and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Frozen baked pasta will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a little extra time and covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat in the oven at 350ºF for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. If using a microwave, cover the dish loosely to retain moisture and heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While small shells are great for holding the sauce, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli. Just be sure to cook your pasta al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.

Is it necessary to remove the sausage casings?

Yes, removing the casings helps the sausage crumble evenly and mix well into the pasta, which improves the texture and flavor distribution throughout the dish.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version that still delivers rich, hearty flavor.

How spicy is this pasta?

The heat level depends on the amount of red pepper flakes you add. It’s easy to adjust to your preference—from mild and creamy to pleasantly spicy.

What cheese can I use if I don’t have Italian cheese blend?

You can use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses. The combination gives you excellent melting qualities and that classic Italian flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Pink Sauce Pasta with Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe truly feels like the ultimate comfort dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly straightforward. Its luscious sauce, hearty sausage, and melty cheese come together in every bite, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own family favorite!

Baked Pink Sauce Pasta with Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe

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4.2 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x

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Description

This Baked Pink Sauce Pasta combines creamy, cheesy textures with savory Italian sausage and a flavorful pink sauce made from spaghetti sauce and heavy cream. Perfectly baked to bubbly perfection, this dish is a crowd-pleaser ideal for family dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 (16-oz) package small shells pasta

Meat

1 (16-oz) package Italian sausage, casings removed

Sauce & Dairy

1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
1½ cups heavy cream
¾ cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
1 (8-oz) package fresh mozzarella pearls

Seasoning

2 tsp Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes, to taste

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook Pasta: Boil the small shells pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
Cook Sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the Italian sausage until it is crumbled and no longer pink inside. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Mix Sauce and Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked sausage, spaghetti sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, ricotta cheese, red pepper flakes (to your preferred heat level), one cup of the shredded Italian cheese blend, and fresh mozzarella pearls. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed and coated with sauce.
Assemble and Top: Pour the prepared pasta mixture into the sprayed baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded Italian cheese blend over the top for a cheesy crust.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the pasta mixture is bubbly and the cheese on top is fully melted and slightly golden.

Notes

You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your liking.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
Make sure to drain excess fat from the sausage to avoid a greasy final dish.
Fresh mozzarella pearls add a creamy texture that melts beautifully; you can cut a block of fresh mozzarella into small cubes if pearls are unavailable.
Serve with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American