Get ready to transform your dinner table with a mouthwatering Italian-inspired dish that will have everyone begging for seconds! This Baked Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is the perfect blend of hearty sausage, vibrant spinach, and three incredible cheeses that melt together in a symphony of flavors. Whether you're looking to impress your family or need a crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in just about an hour, this recipe is your ultimate culinary secret weapon.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and releases its moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, sausage-spinach mixture, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top the pasta with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh Italian sausage and high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor profile.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven, preventing mushy texture.
- Drain Excess Moisture: After cooking sausage and spinach, ensure you drain any excess liquid to keep the dish from becoming watery.
- Layer Cheese Strategically: Create a complete cheese coverage by mixing ricotta into the pasta and using mozzarella and Parmesan as a top layer.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- Optional Enhancements: Customize with red pepper flakes for heat or add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra freshness.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 85mg
