One Dish Party – Easy 30-Minute Cheesy Casserole

Welcome to my kitchen! Today I'm sharing my One Dish Party – a hearty, colorful casserole that brings everyone together. It's got pasta, savory sausage, bell peppers, and a gooey cheese topping that's impossible to resist.

This dish was born from a need for a simple, satisfying meal that could feed a crowd without fuss. It's perfect for potlucks, game days, or just a cozy family dinner. Plus, it's all made in one baking dish, so cleanup is a breeze.

I love how versatile it is – you can swap in whatever veggies you have, and it's always a hit. Let's dive in!

About the Ingredients

12 oz (340g) rotini pasta

Use any short pasta like penne or fusilli. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.

1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed

Choose mild or hot sausage. For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken.

1 medium onion, diced

Yellow or sweet onion works well. Use shallots for a milder flavor.

1 red bell pepper, diced

Adds sweetness and color. Use any color bell pepper you like.

1 green bell pepper, diced

For a bit of bitterness and color. Orange or yellow also work.

3 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is best. Use 1 tsp garlic powder in a pinch.

1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes, undrained

Fire-roasted adds extra flavor. Use fresh tomatoes when in season.

1 cup (240ml) chicken broth

Low-sodium is recommended. Vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version.

1 tsp dried oregano

Adds an Italian touch. Use fresh oregano if you have it, about 1 tbsp.

1/2 tsp salt

Adjust to taste. Sea salt or kosher salt both fine.

1/4 tsp black pepper

Freshly ground is best for flavor.

2 cups (226g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Shred your own for better melt. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.

1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese

Adds a salty, nutty flavor. Use vegetarian-friendly Parmesan if needed.

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For garnish. Skip if you don't have it.

Tips & Tricks

Don't overcook the pasta

Since it will bake again, cook it 2 minutes less than the package directions. You want it al dente so it doesn't turn mushy.

Brown the sausage properly

Let it get a nice golden crust. That browning adds deep flavor to the whole dish.

Shred your own cheese

Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Shredding your own ensures a gooey, creamy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or nonstick spray.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini for 2 minutes less than the package instructions (about 8-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.

3. Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C), cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate, leaving some drippings in the pan.

4. Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add the onion and bell peppers. Sauté over medium heat (325°F/160°C) for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Combine Everything

Return the sausage to the skillet. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors.

6. Mix with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out.

7. Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan over the top evenly.

8. Bake Until Golden

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown. If you like a browner top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully.

9. Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Delicious Variations

Vegetarian

Use 1 can of chickpeas or 1 cup of mushrooms instead of sausage.

Spicy

Use hot Italian sausage and add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.

Add greens

Stir in a handful of fresh spinach before baking for extra nutrition.

How to Store One Dish Party

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope you enjoy making this One Dish Party as much as I do! It's perfect for any gathering. If you try it, let me know in the comments below. Happy cooking!

One Dish Party

One Dish Party is a vibrant, cheesy casserole with pasta, veggies, and sausage, ready in 30 minutes for a crowd-pleasing dinner.

★★★★½ 4.8 (132 ratings)

15 minPrep time30 minCook time6Servings485 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) rotini pasta
• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups (226g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

📋 Instructions

1. 1Preheat and Prep — Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or nonstick spray.
2. 2Cook the Pasta — Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini for 2 minutes less than the package instructions (about 8-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. 3Brown the Sausage — In a large skillet over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C), cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate, leaving some drippings in the pan.
4. 4Sauté the Veggies — In the same skillet, add the onion and bell peppers. Sauté over medium heat (325°F/160°C) for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. 5Combine Everything — Return the sausage to the skillet. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors.
6. 6Mix with Pasta — Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out.
7. 7Top with Cheese — Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan over the top evenly.
8. 8Bake Until Golden — Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown. If you like a browner top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully.
9. 9Rest and Serve — Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: This casserole is a meal in itself, but a simple green salad and crusty bread would round it out beautifully.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Casserole

Nutrition (per serving): 485 kcal · 28g protein · 45g carbs · 22g fat

Written by Aisha Okafor
Aisha writes about plant-based cooking and nutrition, focusing on affordable, flavorful meals for everyday life. She shares tips for meal prepping and using seasonal ingredients.