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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can switch out the penne for any pasta. I love using ziti or rigatoni. If you prefer turkey or chicken, try those sausages instead. For a lighter dish, you can use low-fat ricotta. If you need a dairy-free option, try cashew cheese. You can leave out red pepper flakes for a milder taste. Pick fresh spinach that is bright and crisp. Choose sausage with good spices and fresh meat. Look for ricotta cheese that is creamy, not dry. Use a marinara sauce without too many added sugars. When you buy mozzarella, go for blocks or fresh cheese instead of pre-shredded. This choice gives a better melt and flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need penne pasta, Italian sausage, spinach, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. This dish is simple yet so hearty. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will help the cheese melt perfectly. 2. Boil water in a large pot and add salt. Cook the penne pasta until it is al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. 3. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage. First, remove the casing and crumble the meat. Cook it over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes, until it is browned. 4. Next, add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes, until the spinach wilts. 5. In a large bowl, mix the cooked penne, sausage, spinach, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine everything. 6. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You will know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Once baked, let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color. Enjoy your delicious meal! To make your baked penne shine, cook the pasta just right. Aim for al dente, which means firm but not hard. This way, it won’t get mushy when baked. Mix well to ensure every bite has sausage, spinach, and cheese. Bake until the top is golden brown. This gives a nice crunch. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. It should be slightly underdone since baking will finish the job. Another error is skimping on seasoning. Use salt and pepper generously for the best flavor. Also, don’t forget to let it sit after baking. This prevents burns and helps the dish set. To boost flavor, try adding herbs like oregano or thyme. A splash of red wine in the sauce can add depth, too. For texture, consider adding roasted vegetables or olives. If you want a cheesy crust, mix some extra mozzarella with breadcrumbs before baking. These small tweaks can elevate your dish to a new level! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the penne pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality sausage can elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Mix Cheeses: For added flavor, consider mixing different types of cheese, like provolone or gouda, with mozzarella. Let it Rest: Allow the baked penne to sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven; this helps it set and makes serving easier. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish meat-free. For a vegetarian baked penne, skip the sausage. Use mushrooms or lentils instead for texture. You can also add grilled zucchini or eggplant for more flavor. To make it vegan, swap ricotta for tofu blended with lemon juice and nutritional yeast. Use vegan cheese to keep it creamy and tasty. These options will still give you a wonderful meal. If you want a different taste, try other sausage types. Chicken or turkey sausage makes a lighter dish. For a kick, use spicy sausage or chorizo. You can even find plant-based sausages that taste great. Choose what fits your taste best. Each option will add a unique twist to your baked penne. You can enhance the dish with a few extra ingredients. Try adding bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of color and taste. Black olives add a nice salty touch. For more greens, throw in some kale or broccoli. Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme also boost flavor. Mix and match these add-ons to create your perfect baked penne. To store leftover baked penne, let it cool first. Place it in a container with a tight lid. This keeps moisture in and prevents drying. You can also use plastic wrap to cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baked penne in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave it in a safe bowl. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between. Freezing baked penne is a great idea for meal prep. First, let it cool completely. Cut it into portions for easy thawing. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. Baked penne can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can prepare Baked Penne ahead of time. Cook the penne and sausage, then mix with the other ingredients. Place everything in your baking dish. Cover it and store it in the fridge. You can bake it later. If you bake it from the fridge, it may need extra time. Always check that it is hot in the center. Baked Penne pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty choices: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite - A fresh green salad for a light touch - Steamed veggies for added nutrition - A glass of red wine for special meals These sides will enhance your meal and make it feel complete. To add heat to your Baked Penne, try these ideas: - Use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild - Increase the red pepper flakes in the mix - Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper on top These options will give your dish a nice kick and make it more exciting! Baked penne is an easy and tasty dish. We covered the best ingredients, tips for cooking, and how to store leftovers. I shared ways to tweak the recipe for different diets too. As you try making baked penne, remember these steps and ideas. They can help you avoid mistakes and make your dish even better. Enjoy your cooking journey and have fun with flavors!

Sizzling Sausage & Spinach Baked Penne

A delicious baked pasta dish with Italian sausage, spinach, and a blend of cheeses.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble the meat into the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne, sautéed sausage and spinach, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving for better slicing.
Keyword baked, pasta, sausage, spinach