Sausage and Spinach Penne Casserole
Hearty, comforting, and bursting with rich Italian flavors, this Sausage and Spinach Penne Casserole is the ultimate baked pasta dish for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a savory sauce of Italian sausage, fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, and aromatic garlic and onion, this casserole is elevated by layers of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan cheese. Fresh spinach adds a pop of nutrition and color, while a hint of red pepper flakes offers optional heat for spice lovers. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this easy-to-prepare casserole is ready in under an hour and delivers six generous servings of pure comfort. Ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this baked penne dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 cups spinach (fresh, roughly chopped)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or non-stick spray and set aside.
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the sausage and spinach sauce, stirring until well coated.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the top, then layer with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Sausage and Spinach Penne Casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4211 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 219.2 g | 281% | |
| Saturated Fat | 89.2 g | 446% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 618 mg | 206% | |
| Sodium | 7952 mg | 346% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 361.8 g | 132% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 36.8 g | 131% | |
| Total Sugars | 43.9 g | ||
| Protein | 228.4 g | 457% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3622 mg | 279% | |
| Iron | 31.9 mg | 177% | |
| Potassium | 5658 mg | 120% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
