Venison Pasta Bake

Difficulty Level: Basic  
Cook Time: About 55 minutes

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of our Baked Venison Alfredo, a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish. Tender venison is paired with creamy Alfredo sauce and baked to perfection, creating a hearty meal that's sure to impress your family and friends

Ingredients:

- 1 lb ground venison

- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini recommended)

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 1 small onion, chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 cup heavy cream

- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

- 1 tsp Italian seasoning

- Salt and pepper, to taste

- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Penne and rotini work well to hold the sauce, but any short pasta will do.

3. Cook the Venison: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground venison, breaking it apart as it cooks, and sauté for 7-10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

4. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, Alfredo sauce, and half of the grated Parmesan. For a homemade version, simmer heavy cream, butter, garlic, and Parmesan until thickened.

5. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, venison mixture, and creamy sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese evenly across the top. For extra richness, try adding Gruyère or Fontina.

8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

9. Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Conclusion:

Baked Venison Alfredo offers a deliciously satisfying way to enjoy the rich flavors of wild game in a comforting, classic dish. The combination of tender venison and creamy Alfredo sauce, baked to golden perfection, creates a hearty meal that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or simply looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to leave everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete and unforgettable dining experience.