Description
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake brings hearty Italian comfort straight to your dinner table with a rich, cheesy blend that feels like a warm hug from Nonna. Packed with savory sausage and creamy sauce, this one-pan wonder turns weeknight cooking into a delightful Mediterranean escape.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Oils:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Warm your oven to precisely 375F (190C) to create the perfect baking environment for your pasta dish.
- Fill a large pot with salted water and cook 12 oz penne pasta exactly according to package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Drain completely and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb Italian sausage and break it into small pieces while cooking for 5-7 minutes until fully browned.
- Drop diced onions and minced garlic into the sausage pan. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour in 14 oz diced tomatoes and 1 cup baby spinach. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes, watching your spinach wilt and flavors meld together.
- Gently fold your cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring every noodle gets coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan cheese over the top, creating a complete cheese coverage.
- Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, letting the flavors settle and sauce thicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a final aromatic touch before serving hot.
Notes
- Swap Italian sausage with chicken or plant-based sausage for different dietary preferences.
- Ensure pasta is slightly undercooked before baking, as it will continue to absorb sauce in the oven.
- Drain tomatoes thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the dish watery.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire pasta bake’s flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 670 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg