Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy with the “Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake,” a savory one-skillet meal that blends the rich taste of Italian sausage with creamy cheeses and vibrant spinach. This oven-baked delight is perfect for any pasta lover looking for a hearty dish that is both easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound fresh Italian sausage (about 4 links), removed from casings
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
- 4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, divided, plus more for serving
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped basil, plus more for serving
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 450˚F (230˚C). As the oven warms, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta and gather all your ingredients.
2. Cook the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a 12-inch oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, crumbling it with a wooden spoon. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until browned and cooked through. If needed, spoon off excess fat, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the skillet.
3. Add Garlic and Spinach
Stir in sliced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add baby spinach and stir until it wilts. Reduce heat to low.
4. Incorporate Marinara Sauce and Pasta
Pour marinara sauce over the sausage mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper, and let it simmer briefly. Cook the penne pasta in the boiling water until just shy of al dente, drain, and then add it to the skillet. Add ½ cup of water, season again with salt and pepper, and toss everything together.
5. Prepare Ricotta Mixture
In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, one egg, and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Assemble and Bake
Dollop the ricotta mixture on top of the pasta in the skillet. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and the remaining parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted and golden.
Servings & Preparation Time
Serves: 4-6 people
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place in an oven at 350˚F until thoroughly warmed, about 10-15 minutes.
- If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Conclusion
The “Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake” is a flavor-packed dish that perfectly marries the zestiness of Italian sausage with the lush textures of mixed cheeses. Easy to prepare and even easier to devour, this pasta bake is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with family and friends. Enjoy a slice of Italy in your own home with this delightful recipe!
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Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy with the “Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake,” a savory one-skillet meal that blends the rich taste of Italian sausage with creamy cheeses and vibrant spinach. This oven-baked delight is perfect for any pasta lover looking for a hearty dish that is both easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound fresh Italian sausage (about 4 links), removed from casings
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
- 4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, divided, plus more for serving
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped basil, plus more for serving
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Ingredients
- Cook the Sausage
- Add Garlic and Spinach
- Incorporate Marinara Sauce and Pasta
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture
- Assemble and Bake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes