Servings: 10

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb Rigatoni or other medium pasta shape
• 15 oz fresh bratwurst
• 1/2 cup beer
• 1-1/2 cups low-fat cheddar cheese
• 2 sweet red peppers, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup onions, coarsely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh basil
• 1 Tbs olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix the chopped red peppers, onions, and garlic with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. While the vegetables are roasting, remove the casing from the bratwurst and crumble the meat. Brown the crumbled bratwurst in a skillet over medium heat until it is no longer pink and well-browned. Remove the bratwurst from the skillet and drain it on a paper towel. Pour out the excess fat from the skillet.
4. Return the skillet to the stove and add the browned bratwurst back to the skillet along with the beer. Simmer the mixture over low heat.
5. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
6. Once the roasted vegetables are done, remove them from the oven and immediately add the bratwurst from the skillet, fresh basil, cooked pasta, and 1 cup of low-fat cheddar cheese to the baking dish. Toss everything together to mix thoroughly. If the mixture seems too dry, add some of the reserved pasta water to moisten.
7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of low-fat cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta mixture.
8. Serve the dish immediately.

Here are some variations you can consider for the Bratwurst Pasta Bake recipe:

1. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the roasted vegetables for a spicier flavor profile. You can also use spicy bratwurst instead of regular bratwurst for an extra kick.
2. Cheese Blend: Experiment with different types of cheese or a blend of cheeses for added richness and variety. Try using a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Vegetarian Option: Replace the bratwurst with vegetarian sausages or plant-based sausages for a meatless version. Ensure the sausages are cooked according to package instructions before adding them to the dish.
4. Italian Twist: Add Italian herbs such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the roasted vegetables for an Italian-inspired flavor. Substitute the cheddar cheese with shredded mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses.
5. Creamy Variation: Create a creamier sauce by mixing in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or ricotta cheese to the pasta mixture. This will add a velvety texture and a touch of richness.
6. Veggie Boost: Incorporate additional vegetables like sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the roasted vegetable mixture for added nutritional value and flavor. Sauté the vegetables before roasting or add them directly to the pasta mixture.
7. Tomato-Based Sauce: Stir in your favorite tomato sauce or marinara sauce to the pasta mixture for a tangy and saucy twist. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to balance the flavors.
8. Herb Infusion: Experiment with different fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or thyme for added freshness and aroma. Toss the herbs into the pasta mixture just before serving for maximum flavor.
9. Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle a layer of breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter or grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta before baking. This will add a crispy and golden crust to the dish.
10. Personalized Additions: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, or roasted garlic to enhance the flavor and texture of the pasta bake.