Pin This hearty Thanksgiving Stuffing-Inspired Pasta Bake transforms the beloved holiday side dish into a satisfying main course that works year-round. The combination of savory sausage, aromatic herbs, and a golden breadcrumb topping captures all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffing while being substantial enough for dinner any night of the week.
I created this dish when my family was craving Thanksgiving flavors in March. The familiar herb and sausage combination brings back holiday memories, but the pasta makes it hearty enough for a weeknight dinner that my children actually request regularly.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400g short pasta like penne or rigatoni provides the perfect base with ridges that capture the savory sauce
- Italian sausage: adds rich flavor and protein while eliminating the need for additional seasoning
- Mirepoix vegetables: onion, celery, and carrots create the classic stuffing flavor foundation
- Fresh herbs: sage, thyme, and rosemary are essential for authentic Thanksgiving flavor profile
- White wine: deglazes the pan and adds subtle acidity that balances the richness
- Chicken broth: infuses the pasta with savory depth just like in traditional stuffing
- Heavy cream: creates a silky sauce that binds everything together
- Cheese combination: mozzarella adds stretch while Parmesan brings umami notes
- Buttery breadcrumb topping: recreates the crispy top layer of traditional stuffing
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta:
- Cook your pasta just until al dente about 1 minute less than package directions since it will continue cooking in the oven. The pasta should offer slight resistance when bitten to prevent mushiness in the final dish.
- Create the flavor base:
- Slowly cooking the mirepoix vegetables in butter builds the foundation of flavor that makes this dish reminiscent of stuffing. Take your time with this step allowing the vegetables to soften and begin to caramelize for maximum flavor development.
- Add aromatics:
- Incorporating the herbs and garlic at this stage allows their essential oils to bloom in the butter creating an intoxicating aroma that will fill your kitchen just like on Thanksgiving morning.
- Brown the sausage:
- Breaking the sausage into small chunks as it cooks ensures even distribution throughout the pasta bake. The rendered fat from the sausage combines with the herbs and vegetables creating a rich flavor base.
- Deglaze and build the sauce:
- The wine lifts all the browned bits from the pan incorporating them into the sauce. As the liquid reduces the flavors concentrate creating a sauce that will coat each pasta piece perfectly.
- Combine and assemble:
- When mixing the pasta with the sauce, be gentle to avoid breaking the pasta. The cheese should be distributed evenly throughout to ensure creamy pockets in every bite.
- Create the perfect topping:
- The buttered breadcrumbs toast in the oven creating a crunchy textural contrast to the creamy pasta beneath just like the best part of traditional stuffing.
- Bake to golden perfection:
- The uncovered baking allows the top to become crispy while the inside remains moist and flavorful. Watch for bubbling around the edges and a golden brown top as indicators of doneness.
Pin The sage in this recipe is absolutely transformative. I grow fresh sage in my garden specifically for dishes like this. The first time I served this to my extended family during an April birthday celebration, my uncle who claims to dislike pasta asked for the recipe. The familiar Thanksgiving notes with the twist of pasta won him over completely.
Storage and Reheating
This pasta bake keeps remarkably well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. When reheating, cover with foil for the first few minutes to prevent over-browning, then remove for the last few minutes to recrisp the top. For longer storage, portion the bake into individual servings and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven until the center reaches 165°F, about 20-25 minutes.
Vegetarian Adaptation
To create a vegetarian version with equally satisfying depth, replace the sausage with 16 ounces of mushrooms. I recommend using a mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped and sautéed until deeply browned. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce during cooking to enhance their umami quality. You might also consider adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for texture and a few tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a savory boost.
Holiday Meal Planning
This pasta bake shines as part of a smaller Thanksgiving gathering when you might not want to prepare a whole turkey. It pairs beautifully with roasted brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and a simple green salad. For those hosting larger gatherings, prepare this dish alongside the traditional turkey as an alternative main course for guests who prefer pasta or as an impressive side dish that will certainly stand out among the standards.
Pin Seasonal Variations
Fall Version Add 1 cup of roasted butternut squash cubes and substitute sage with double the amount of fresh sage. Winter Comfort Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and a diced apple for sweetness that balances the savory elements. Spring Renewal Incorporate 1 cup of fresh peas and substitute some of the herbs with fresh dill.
This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, making it a comforting and satisfying main course. Enjoy the familiar holiday flavors in a brand new, pasta-forward way.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I substitute turkey for the sausage?
Yes, using turkey sausage is a great way to add a more traditional Thanksgiving touch while keeping the flavors robust and savory.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the sausage for chopped mushrooms and use vegetable broth to create a hearty vegetarian version.
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well and bake perfectly with the stuffing-inspired flavors and toppings.
- → Can this pasta bake be prepared ahead?
Yes, you can assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate it for a day. Bake when you're ready to serve for convenience.
- → How do I achieve a crisp, golden topping?
Toss fresh breadcrumbs with melted butter and parsley before sprinkling on top, then bake uncovered until golden and bubbly.
- → What are some creative add-ins?
Add chopped apples or dried cranberries for sweetness, or increase herbs to suit your taste for an extra festive twist.