Description
This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish combining al dente penne pasta with savory Italian sausage, sautéed onions and garlic, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato-cream sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this easy-to-make baked pasta delivers a delicious, cheesy finish perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta later.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Cream: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, baby spinach, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and gently stir to combine the pasta evenly with the creamy sausage sauce mixture.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake sit for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid in the bake.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce may be less rich.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; increase baking time by a few minutes if baking from cold.
- For a more vegetarian-friendly version, substitute sausage with a plant-based meat alternative.
