Irresistibly Cheesy Sausage Spinach Pasta Bake for Dinner

Cheesy Sausage Spinach Pasta is a cozy and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian chicken sausage with fresh spinach and melty cheeses. This flavor-packed pasta bake is perfect for busy weeknights or as a delightful family dinner. The way the creamy marinara and cheeses meld together creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. Let’s dive into the ingredients and how to make this delicious dish!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Sausage Spinach Pasta

This Cheesy Sausage Spinach Pasta is not only delicious, but it also brings a host of benefits:

• Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Comforting and hearty, perfect for family gatherings.
• Utilizes healthy ingredients like spinach for added nutrition.
• Can be made in one pot, reducing cleanup time.
• Versatile; can be adapted with different pasta types.
• Delivers a rich, creamy flavor that satisfies any craving.

With options to make a Creamy Sausage Spinach Pasta or a Sausage Spinach Pasta Bake, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a true Italian Cuisine experience that you can enjoy at home.

Ingredients for Cheesy Sausage Spinach Pasta

Gather these items:

• 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian chicken sausage (casings removed)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

How to Make Cheesy Sausage Spinach Pasta Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian chicken sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Mix in Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Step 5: Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes. Add parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to coat evenly. If needed, combine in a large bowl.
7. Step 7: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella.
8. Step 8: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Step 9: Rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Sausage Spinach Pasta

Keep these in mind:

• For a healthier version, you can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese.
• Ensure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente before mixing with the sauce.
• Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and nutrition.
• This recipe can easily be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.

Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Sausage Spinach Pasta

Here are a few ideas for serving:

• Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Serve with garlic bread for a delightful crunch.
• Top with additional parmesan or fresh herbs for added flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Sausage Spinach Pasta

To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the pasta in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This makes it perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Sausage Spinach Pasta

What’s the secret to perfect Cheesy Sausage Spinach Pasta?

The secret lies in using quality ingredients, especially the sausage and fresh spinach. Ensure to balance the creaminess with the right amount of marinara for a delightful flavor in every bite.

Can I make Cheesy Sausage Spinach Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Sausage Spinach Pasta?

Avoid overcooking the pasta and be careful not to let the cheese burn while baking. Keep an eye on it towards the end to achieve that perfect golden brown crust!

Variations of Cheesy Sausage Spinach Pasta You Can Try

Here are some variations to consider:

• Swap in turkey sausage for a lighter option.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
• Try a mix of cheeses, like cheddar, for a different twist.
• Incorporate other vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, for added nutrition.

Irresistibly Cheesy Sausage Spinach Pasta Bake for Dinner

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A cozy, creamy, flavor-packed pasta bake made with Italian chicken sausage, fresh spinach, marinara, and melty cheeses—perfect for busy weeknights or comforting family dinners.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian chicken sausage (casings removed)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian chicken sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Mix in Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes. Add parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to coat evenly. If needed, combine in a large bowl.
7. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella.
8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.

Notes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg