Print

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake - featured image
Print Recipe

A hearty and comforting pasta bake loaded with bold Tuscan flavors, featuring spicy Italian sausage, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild, casings removed)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Remove the casings from the sausage, crumble it into the skillet, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate, leaving any rendered fat in the skillet.
  4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, then add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Stir the fresh spinach into the sauce. Cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  7. Add the cooked sausage and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until everything is well-coated.
  8. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top, followed by the Mozzarella cheese.
  9. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
  10. Let the pasta bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

[‘Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be slightly undercooked (al dente) since it’ll continue cooking in the oven.’, ‘Fresh garlic, spinach, and Parmesan make a noticeable difference in flavor.’, ‘Layer the cheese evenly to ensure every bite has gooey, melty goodness.’, ‘Adjust the seasoning in the sauce as needed. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.’, ‘Browning the sausage adds extra flavor and depth to the dish.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan pasta bake, creamy pasta bake, sausage pasta bake, Italian comfort food, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/creamy-tuscan-sausage-pasta-bake-recipe-for-easy-dinners/