Description
This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dinner option featuring penne pasta tossed in a rich sauce with Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then baked to golden perfection. This hearty dish delivers a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, ideal for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Proteins
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Cheeses and Seasonings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F to prepare it for baking the pasta dish later.
- Cook Pasta: Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into pieces until fully browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the sausage and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute to blend flavors.
- Wilt Spinach: Add baby spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, mixing evenly with the other ingredients.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in half of the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese. Continue simmering for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked penne pasta thoroughly with the creamy sausage sauce to ensure even coating.
- Assemble for Baking: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Notes
- You can substitute kale for spinach for a different leafy green texture and flavor.
- For a leaner option, use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce to impart additional depth and warmth.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving to save time.
