Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta bake loaded with Italian sausage, tomatoes, and cheese, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: To the skillet with the sausage, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, baby spinach, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Mix in Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and gently stir to combine everything evenly.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Add Cheeses: Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, distributing it evenly across the surface.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let it sit for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to use fresh herbs for a more intense flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter version, use turkey sausage or skip the cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg