Why Make This Recipe
Hearty Spinach and Sausage Pasta Bake is a warm and comforting dish perfect for any family dinner or gathering. It combines tender pasta, savory sausage, and fresh spinach, all smothered in creamy cheeses. This pasta bake is not only delicious but also filling and easy to prepare. It offers a lovely blend of flavors that will surely satisfy your taste buds.
How to Make Hearty Spinach and Sausage Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 4 Italian sausage links, casings removed
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and chopped
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles until browned and cooked through.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, sausage, spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the pasta sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Hearty Spinach and Sausage Pasta Bake
Serve this delicious pasta bake hot from the oven. You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for extra flavor. It pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread to make a complete meal.
How to Store Hearty Spinach and Sausage Pasta Bake
To store leftovers, let the pasta bake cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Tips to Make Hearty Spinach and Sausage Pasta Bake
- For extra flavor, add garlic or onion while cooking the sausage.
- Feel free to use different types of pasta if you prefer, such as rigatoni or fusilli.
- You can add other vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, for more nutrition.
Variation
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the sausage and using a meat substitute or more vegetables instead. Swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese for a different texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish.
Can I prepare this pasta bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you are ready to serve.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta, and ensure that the sausage and cheeses are certified gluten-free.