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
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
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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.
Stir in the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Mix in Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
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.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to coat evenly. If needed, combine in a large bowl.
Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.