Description
A delicious and creamy pasta bake featuring Italian sausage and fresh ingredients, 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 your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- To the skillet with the sausage, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- 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.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and gently stir to combine everything evenly.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, distributing it evenly across the surface.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- 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 substitute the sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg