Pin it
Cheesy baked Italian sausage delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional Italian cuisine without the carb overload, making it the perfect one-pan dinner for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. This savory, protein-packed dish combines perfectly browned Italian sausages with rich marinara sauce and a generous blanket of melted cheese. With just 7 grams of net carbs and an impressive 30 grams of protein per serving, it satisfies your Italian food cravings while keeping your nutrition goals on track.
The first time I made this dish was during a particularly hectic week when I was craving comfort food but didn't want to derail my low-carb eating plan. I was amazed at how the simple combination of quality sausage, marinara sauce, and cheese created something that felt indulgent while still supporting my nutrition goals. My family didn't even miss the pasta—they were too busy going back for seconds!
Simple Savory Ingredients
- Italian sausages: The star of the show, providing rich flavor and substantial protein; choose mild or spicy according to your preference
- Marinara sauce: Creates the saucy base that brings everything together; select a low-sugar version for fewer carbs
- Mozzarella cheese: Provides that irresistible melty, stretchy texture that makes this dish so satisfying
- Parmesan cheese: Adds depth and savory umami notes that enhance the overall flavor profile
- Italian seasoning: Brings authentic herb flavors that complement the sausage and sauce perfectly
What makes this dish truly special is the way the sausages infuse the sauce with flavor as they cook. I prefer using links and slicing them, as the circular pieces create perfect little flavor bombs throughout the dish. The combination of two cheeses creates complexity—the mozzarella provides the melt factor while the Parmesan adds sharpness and depth.
Brown The Sausages
Start with a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausages and cook until they develop a beautiful brown crust, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as it creates a flavor foundation for the entire dish through caramelization.
Create Steam
Lower the heat and add water to the skillet, then quickly cover with a lid. This gentle steaming ensures the sausages cook through completely while capturing all their savory juices. Let them simmer for 8 minutes, occasionally stirring to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add The Sauce
Remove the skillet from heat and pour in the marinara sauce, stirring to combine it with the sausage and all those wonderful juices. This creates the saucy base that will bubble and reduce slightly during baking, concentrating the flavors.
Layer The Cheese
Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the entire surface. The combination creates the perfect melty texture while adding protein and richness. Add all seasonings evenly across the top, which will infuse into the cheese as it melts.
Pin it
Bake To Bubbly Perfection
Place the skillet in a preheated 375°F oven and bake until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese has melted completely, about 15-18 minutes. Finish with a quick 2-minute broil to create those irresistible browned cheese spots on top.
Garnish And Serve
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness of the dish. Serve directly from the skillet for an impressive presentation.
My family has a tradition of Sunday dinner together, and this dish has become one of our regular rotation staples. My teenage son, who typically reaches for bread with anything remotely Italian, was so satisfied by the rich flavors and protein content that he didn't even notice there wasn't a carb in sight. That's when I knew this recipe was truly special.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this hearty one-pan meal with simple roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts for a complete low-carb dinner. For those not counting carbs, crusty garlic bread makes an excellent addition for soaking up the flavorful sauce. A crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar provides refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy main dish. For a more substantial meal, consider serving over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Versatile Variations
- Transform this basic recipe: Swap traditional pork sausage with chicken or turkey Italian sausage for a lighter option with less fat.
- Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach: Between the sauce and cheese layers for added nutrients and flavor.
- Create a spicier version: Use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- For a deeper flavor profile: Mix in a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar with the marinara sauce before baking.
Pin it
Smart Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, where the flavors will continue to develop and meld. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or microwave individual portions at 70% power, stirring halfway through, until heated thoroughly.
I've found that this cheesy baked Italian sausage has become my go-to recipe when I need something satisfying that feels indulgent without derailing my healthy eating plans. There's something magical about the way the simple ingredients transform into a meal that's greater than the sum of its parts. The combination of spicy sausage, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese creates comfort food at its finest—proving that you don't need pasta or bread to enjoy authentic Italian flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use uncooked Italian sausage links instead of pre-cooked?
- Yes! If using raw sausage links, you'll want to cook them whole first until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Then slice them and continue with the recipe as written. Alternatively, you can remove the casings and cook the sausage meat as crumbles.
- → What can I serve with this dish to make it a complete meal?
- For a low-carb meal, serve with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or zucchini noodles. If carbs aren't a concern, this pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, pasta, or polenta to soak up the delicious sauce.
- → Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
- Yes! You can brown the sausage and add the marinara up to a day ahead, then refrigerate in an airtight container. When ready to serve, transfer to an oven-safe dish, add the cheese and seasonings, and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- → What type of Italian sausage works best in this recipe?
- Any type of Italian sausage works great! Sweet Italian sausage provides a milder flavor, while hot Italian sausage adds a nice spicy kick. You can even use a mix of both for a balanced heat level. For a lighter option, turkey or chicken Italian sausage will also work.
- → I don't have an oven-safe skillet. What can I use instead?
- If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, simply transfer the browned and simmered sausage to a baking dish before adding the marinara sauce, cheese, and seasonings. Then bake as directed in the recipe.