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- 300g penne pasta - 400g Italian sausage (casings removed) - 200ml heavy cream - 150g spinach (fresh or frozen) The main ingredients make this dish rich and satisfying. First, penne pasta is perfect for holding the creamy sauce. I love using Italian sausage for its bold flavor. Heavy cream adds a rich texture, making every bite creamy. Spinach gives a nice pop of color and nutrients. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - 400g can diced tomatoes - Salt and pepper to taste Seasonings bring the dish to life. Olive oil helps cook the onion and garlic. A chopped onion adds sweetness. Minced garlic gives a strong, fragrant base. Dried Italian herbs make the flavors sing. Diced tomatoes add moisture and acidity. Lastly, salt and pepper round out the taste. - 200g mozzarella cheese, shredded - 50g Parmesan cheese, grated Cheese is key for a tasty bake. Mozzarella melts beautifully and creates a gooey top. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. Together, they make the bake irresistible. Don't skip the cheese, as it makes this dish feel special. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. - Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Start by cooking the penne pasta. Follow the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, preheat your oven so it’s ready for baking. This step is key for a perfect finish. - Sauté onion and garlic. - Brown Italian sausage in the skillet. In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns soft and clear. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add minced garlic and stir for one more minute. Now, it’s time to add the Italian sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. The smell will make your mouth water! - Mix in tomatoes, cream, and spinach. - Combine with pasta and transfer to baking dish. - Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese before baking. Once the sausage is ready, stir in a can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Add a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. Next, pour in 200ml of heavy cream and add 150g of spinach. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Now, mix this sausage mixture with your cooked penne pasta. Make sure everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Finally, sprinkle 200g of shredded mozzarella and 50g of grated Parmesan on top. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a bubbly and golden finish on top. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy sausage pasta bake! To cook pasta al dente, boil water with salt. Add the penne and stir gently. Follow package time, but check a minute early. Your pasta should be firm but not hard. Drain it right away to stop cooking. For a creamy sauce, blend heavy cream with the sausage mixture. Stir well as it cooks to keep the sauce smooth. If it thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water. This helps to keep that rich texture. Choosing the right cheeses is key. Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan. Mozzarella melts well, while Parmesan adds depth. For even more flavor, try adding a bit of cheddar. To get that golden cheese crust, bake at 180°C (350°F) until bubbly. Keep an eye on it; if it browns too fast, cover with foil. Let it rest before serving, so the cheese holds together well. Pair your pasta bake with a light salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette works great. You can also serve garlic bread on the side for a crunchy touch. For a lovely presentation, serve from the dish. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for color. This makes the dish look inviting and fresh. Pro Tips Use Quality Sausage: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for a rich flavor that elevates the dish. Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook the penne pasta just until al dente to ensure it holds its shape during baking. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique taste. Make Ahead: Prepare the pasta bake in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking for an easy meal. {{image_2}} You can easily change this dish to fit your tastes. Start by adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. These add flavor and make it colorful. You can also switch the sausage for chicken or a meat alternative. This makes the dish lighter but just as tasty. Cheese plays a big role in this bake. You can try different cheese blends to create unique flavors. Mix mozzarella with cheddar or gouda for a richer taste. If you want to avoid dairy, use non-dairy options. They can still give you that creamy texture you love. If you like a kick, add red pepper flakes to the mix. They can make the dish spicy and exciting. You can also use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. This choice will give the pasta bake a deeper flavor and more heat. To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Then, place the pasta bake in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save some for later, make sure to cover it well. This helps keep the flavors fresh and delicious. You can freeze the pasta bake for a quick meal later. Let it cool completely before freezing. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for about two months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it at 180°C (350°F) until hot and bubbly, about 25–30 minutes. Making this dish ahead of time is great for busy nights. You can prepare it on the weekend and bake it when you need it. Portioning it out makes for easy lunches or dinners during the week. Just heat each serving as needed, and you’ll enjoy a tasty meal with little effort. To make a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free pasta. Options include brown rice pasta, quinoa pasta, or chickpea pasta. These alternatives cook well and hold sauce nicely. Always check the package for cooking times. Yes, you can use dairy-free alternatives. For non-dairy cheese, look for brands made from nuts or soy. Coconut cream or cashew cream works well in place of heavy cream. These options keep the dish creamy and tasty. You can store the pasta bake in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you reheat it, the cheese may not be as bubbly, but it will still taste great. In this article, we explored how to make a creamy sausage pasta bake. You learned about the main ingredients, cooking methods, and tips for perfecting the dish. You can customize it for your taste and make it ahead of time for busy days. Remember, the right cheese makes a big difference. This meal not only satisfies but also brings joy at the table. Enjoy your cooking and make it your own!

Creamy Sausage Pasta Bake

A delicious and comforting pasta bake with creamy sauce, Italian sausage, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 400 g Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 400 g can diced tomatoes
  • 200 ml heavy cream
  • 150 g spinach (fresh or frozen)
  • 200 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the dried Italian herbs and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Let simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and add the spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted (if using fresh) or heated through (if using frozen).
  • Combine the sausage mixture with the cooked penne pasta, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the pasta bake directly from the dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for added color and flavor.
Keyword bake, cheese, creamy, pasta, sausage