If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and full-of-flavor dish, the Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner. This dish perfectly balances creamy richness with hearty Italian sausage and fresh spinach, all baked to golden perfection under a blanket of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan. Every forkful bursts with classic Tuscan-inspired flavors, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding family or friends. Trust me, once you try this creamy and savory pasta bake, it’s going to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together effortlessly to create layers of flavor and texture that make the Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe unforgettable. Each ingredient plays a vital role—whether it’s the tender pasta providing a cozy base, or the creamy sauce and spices building depth and brightness.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Perfect for soaking up all that luscious sauce while holding its shape through baking.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Choose mild or spicy based on your preference; it adds a savory, meaty backbone to the dish.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a natural sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained: Offers brightness and a touch of acidity to balance the creaminess.
- 1 cup baby spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a gentle earthiness that complements the rich sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The magic ingredient that makes the sauce irresistibly smooth and creamy.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy topping that pulls apart delightfully.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and a slightly nutty flavor to enhance the overall dish.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings classic Tuscan herbal notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors into harmony.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of bright, fresh herbal flavor and beautiful color.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta just until al dente, so it still has a bit of bite and won’t get mushy in the bake. Drain and set it aside—this pasta will soon soak up all that delicious creamy sauce!
Step 2: Brown the Italian sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Browning it properly builds a rich, savory base for the bake and infuses the dish with deep meaty flavors. Once the sausage is fully cooked, drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Sauté onion and garlic
To the browned sausage, toss in diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its lovely aroma. This step builds a flavorful foundation and adds subtle sweetness that balances the dish beautifully.
Step 4: Create the creamy Tuscan sauce
Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, baby spinach, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce slightly thickens. This sauce is where the creaminess marries with vibrant flavors, ensuring every bite is luscious and satisfying.
Step 5: Combine pasta and sauce
Add your cooked penne pasta directly into the skillet. Mix gently but thoroughly so each piece of pasta is coated with the rich, creamy sauce and flavorful ingredients. This step guarantees the pasta bake will be evenly tasty from edge to edge.
Step 6: Assemble and bake
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses generously over the top. Pop it into the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese has bubbled up and turned a beautiful golden brown.
Step 7: Rest and garnish
After baking, let the dish sit for about 5 minutes to settle. This resting time helps the flavors meld and the cheese to firm up slightly for easier serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if you like that touch of herbal brightness and a fantastic presentation.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic choice for garnishing this pasta bake, lending a fresh, peppery aroma and vivid green color that instantly lifts the dish. You can also sprinkle a bit more grated Parmesan right before serving for extra cheesiness and a salty kick.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty and creamy dish with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to balance its richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also make wonderful, simple sides that add texture and lightness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving the Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets can turn it into an elegant, personalized meal perfect for dinner parties. Alternatively, layering it in a deep baking dish and scooping portions family-style creates a warm, inviting vibe that’s perfect for cozy nights in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover the pasta bake tightly to keep the creamy sauce from drying out, and you’ll have a quick, satisfying meal ready to go the next day.
Freezing
This pasta bake freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking or freeze the fully baked dish after it cools. When properly wrapped, it can be kept frozen for up to 2 months without losing its wonderful flavors or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which helps maintain the creamy texture and avoid drying out. If you’re in a rush, microwaving in short bursts works as well—just cover to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this bake?
Absolutely! While penne holds the sauce well, rigatoni, ziti, or even fusilli would work beautifully. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based alternative or extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version without losing flavor.
What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of butter as a substitute, though the sauce won’t be quite as thick and rich. For vegan options, coconut cream or cashew cream can work as creative alternatives.
How spicy is this dish? Can it be adjusted?
You control the heat by choosing mild or spicy Italian sausage. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes during cooking for more kick, or omit them to keep things mild and family-friendly.
Can I prepare the pasta bake in advance and bake it later?
Definitely! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe is a true comfort food champion that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Its combination of creamy sauce, savory sausage, fresh greens, and melty cheese is like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—it’s perfect for weeknight dinners and makes enough to share, keeping everyone happily full and asking for seconds.
Print
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and comforting Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake featuring tender penne pasta, flavorful Italian sausage, sautéed onions and garlic, baby spinach, and a luscious cream sauce topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this hearty dish is ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Sauce and Sausage Mix
- 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 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the pasta dish.
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Brown Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease as needed to avoid a greasy dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: To the same skillet with sausage, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, baby spinach, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and flavors meld together.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet and gently stir everything together so the pasta is well coated with the creamy sausage sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta for a cheesy crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- The sausage can be substituted with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- For extra veggies, consider adding sliced mushrooms or bell peppers when sautéing the onions.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Make sure to not overcook the pasta before baking, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
