Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake

If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and utterly delicious dinner that comes together easily, this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake is your new go-to recipe. Combining the robust flavors of Italian sausage with fresh spinach, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a luscious creamy sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection with mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or weekend treat that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table with minimal fuss.

Reasons to Love Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake

This dish wins hearts for so many reasons. First, the rich and creamy sauce envelops every bite of penne, marrying perfectly with the savory sausage and the brightness of fresh tomatoes and spinach. It’s an ideal way to sneak in some greens without compromising on flavor. The bake is also incredibly versatile—perfect for meal prepping or feeding a hungry family. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder that requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible to cooks of all levels.

Another reason to adore this pasta bake is its comforting texture: tender pasta, melty cheese, and juicy sausage slices all come together in a cozy casserole. For those who love Italian-inspired meals but want something a little different from classic spaghetti, this recipe offers a fresh twist with the Tuscan flair. And, if you’re a fan of dishes like Sausage Alfredo Baked Penne, you’ll find this creamy Tuscan version equally irresistible.

Ingredients at a Glance

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Must-Have Equipment

• Large pot: For boiling the pasta perfectly al dente.
• Large skillet: To cook the sausage and sauté the garlic, tomatoes, and spinach.
• Baking dish: A 9×13-inch casserole dish works great to bake all the ingredients together.
• Mixing spoon and spatula: For stirring the sauce and mixing everything evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure the perfect balance of flavors.

How to Prepare Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce. This ensures your pasta is perfectly tender but not mushy after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage and Veggies

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften slightly.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Allow the cream to warm and thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes. Gradually stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, creating a luscious sauce that clings to every ingredient.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sausage, and Sauce

Return the browned sausage slices to the skillet and mix everything thoroughly. Add the drained penne pasta and toss gently so that the creamy sauce coats all the pasta, sausage, and veggies evenly.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and flavorful goodness.

Spring to Winter: Ideas

• In the spring, swap spinach for fresh arugula or baby kale for a peppery twist.
• During summer, add grilled zucchini or roasted red peppers for a vibrant, fresh taste.
• For fall, mix in sautéed mushrooms and a pinch of smoked paprika for an earthy flavor.
• Come winter, use frozen spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to keep the dish hearty and comforting.
• Try switching chicken sausage with turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative for variety.

Pro Tips & Notes

• Make sure not to overcook the pasta before baking to avoid mushiness.
• Use a good-quality Parmesan for depth of flavor in the creamy sauce.
• If you want extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or more heavy cream to the sauce.
• Feel free to add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
• Leftover pasta bake can be reheated in the oven or microwave, but fresh is best.
• For a lighter option, substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

To enjoy your Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake later, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, sprinkle a little water or cream over the pasta before microwaving to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ask & Learn

Can I use other types of pasta instead of penne?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or penne rigate work wonderfully as well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken sausage with a plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant for a delicious vegetarian version.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a cashew cream sauce instead of heavy cream, and substitute the Parmesan and mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Can I prepare this ahead of time and bake it later?

This pasta bake is great for meal prep. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Don’t Miss These

• Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta One Pot – For a spicy, one-pot twist on creamy sausage pasta.
• Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake – A family favorite loaded with tender chicken and fresh broccoli.
• Sausage Alfredo Baked Penne – Another rich and cheesy baked pasta dish packed with sausage flavor.

Hungry for More?

If you love the creamy, indulgent flavors of this Tuscan sausage pasta bake, you’re going to adore exploring other comforting baked pasta dishes and one-pot wonders. These recipes bring together simple ingredients with bold flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. Whether it’s swapping proteins, adding veggies, or experimenting with spices, the possibilities to customize creamy pasta bakes are endless. Dive in and treat yourself to warm, cheesy, and satisfying meals all year round.

This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will quickly make it a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s delicious, straightforward, and wonderfully flexible—just what you want in a weeknight pasta bake. Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to indulge in a creamy, cheesy, and savory delight that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

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