If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with comforting flavors and gooey, cheesy goodness, then you’re going to absolutely love this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of tender penne pasta coated in a luscious cream sauce, studded with savory Italian sausage, vibrant spinach, and tangy diced tomatoes, all topped with a golden blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This recipe isn’t just about great taste—it’s about creating a cozy, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this bake delivers deliciousness every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the hearty sausage and tender pasta to the creamy sauce and melty cheese topping. Here’s what you’ll gather to make this dish shine.
- 12 oz penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce and cheesy goodness.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference, adding robust, savory flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth that complements the sausage beautifully.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained: Adds a touch of acidity and freshness to balance the richness.
- 1 cup baby spinach: For a pop of color and gentle earthy notes, plus a boost of nutrients.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously creamy base that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melted for gooey texture and mild tanginess on top.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the dish’s complexity.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that fills every bite with Mediterranean charm.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the sausage and vegetables with a fruity richness.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness just before serving.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until just al dente—firm but tender. This ensures the pasta won’t overcook during baking. Once ready, drain and set it aside to rest while you work on the flavorful sausage mixture.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon so it cooks evenly and browns beautifully. This step brings out rich, savory notes that are key to the recipe. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains and the sausage gets a lovely caramelized exterior. If there’s excess grease, remove a bit to keep the dish from feeling too heavy.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
To the same skillet with the sausage, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them together until the onion turns translucent and soft, releasing a sweet, fragrant aroma that melds perfectly with the sausage. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes and builds the aromatic base of your creamy sauce.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes, Spinach, and Cream
Next, stir in the drained diced tomatoes and baby spinach. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Bring everything to a gentle simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly, enveloping all those gorgeous ingredients in a dreamy creaminess.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked penne pasta straight into the skillet and gently fold it through the sauce. This ensures every piece of pasta is generously coated with that creamy, flavorful mixture. It’s the moment where the textures start to harmonize, promising every forkful will be satisfying and rich.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the sauced pasta into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly so that every bit bakes uniformly. Top the surface with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, spreading them out like a melty, golden blanket. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully golden brown on top.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your creamy Italian masterpiece rest for about 5 minutes—this lets the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve. If you like, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and that herby finish that complements the rich sauce perfectly. Then dig in and enjoy every blissful bite.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a classic garnish that add a fragrant, fresh note balancing the creamy richness of the pasta bake. For something extra, you can sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you love a gentle kick or a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil to amplify the Mediterranean flavors.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe is a hearty dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread are also excellent companions, adding texture and complementing the Italian-inspired flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this bake family-style straight from the baking dish for a cozy, inviting vibe. Or scoop portions individually into oven-safe ramekins for a charming presentation. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or a handful of toasted pine nuts on each serving to add a touch of sophistication and crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (and honestly, who wouldn’t?), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dish chilled promptly to preserve freshness and flavor, making it easy to enjoy satisfying meals later in the week.
Freezing
This pasta bake freezes beautifully, making it a perfect option for meal prepping. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your leftovers into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally, to maintain that creamy texture without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture. The flavors will still be rich and satisfying with the creamy sauce and cheese.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the sausage and cream sauce mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready, combine with cooked pasta, top with cheese, and bake as directed for a quick assembly.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half can work, though the sauce might be a bit less thick and creamy. Avoid low-fat milk as it won’t provide enough richness or thickness.
How spicy can I make the pasta bake?
The heat level depends on your sausage choice—mild Italian sausage keeps it gentle, while spicy sausage packs a punch. You can also add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce to increase the spiciness to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a special hug after a long day. With every element thoughtfully creating layers of flavor and texture, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this rich, comforting meal you’ll surely cherish.
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Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Pasta Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring penne pasta combined with savory Italian sausage, sautéed onions and garlic, creamy heavy cream, baby spinach, and rich cheeses. Baked until golden and bubbling, this meal is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Sausage Mixture
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove excess grease if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Spinach: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, baby spinach, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and gently stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Drain the diced tomatoes well to avoid making the sauce too watery.
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Fresh basil adds a lovely herbaceous finish but is optional.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and reduce cheese quantities.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
