Sausage Florentine Bake
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Sausage Florentine Bake, a hearty casserole that combines tender penne pasta, savory Italian sausage, and vibrant fresh spinach in a rich marinara sauce. Layered with creamy ricotta cheese and topped with a golden, gooey mix of mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish is a crowd-pleasing favorite for family dinners or potlucks. Featuring aromatic garlic, onion, and Italian herbs, each bite bursts with bold, satisfying flavor. Easy to assemble and baked to perfection in under an hour, this cheesy, spinach-packed pasta bake is the ultimate blend of cozy and nutritious. Serve it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 12 ounces Penne pasta
- 5 cups Fresh spinach
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 24 ounces Marinara sauce
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet with the sausage mixture and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 0.5 cup of grated Parmesan. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until evenly combined.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 0.5 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden.
Let the Sausage Florentine Bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
581 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.3 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.4 g | 87% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 99 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 1529 mg | 66% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.8 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.5 g | ||
| Protein | 35.2 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 565 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 311 mg | 7% | |
*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.
