Introduction
Looking for a warm, comforting, and creamy dinner that’s packed with flavor? This Quick Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake is the perfect dish! It’s a mix of juicy sausage, creamy sauce, tender pasta, and delicious Tuscan flavors like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
Even if you’re not a professional cook, don’t worry—this recipe is super simple to follow. You just need a few ingredients, one big baking dish, and about 30–40 minutes of your time. Whether you’re cooking for your family, your friends, or just yourself, this pasta bake will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients – Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to make this tasty pasta bake. Most of them are easy to find at any grocery store.
For the pasta bake:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) penne pasta (or any short pasta you like)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup chopped onion (about 1 small onion)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step by Step Process – Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll want it hot and ready to bake once your pasta is mixed and assembled.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it 2 minutes less than the package says. You want it slightly firm (this is called “al dente”) because it will finish cooking in the oven.
Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
- In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage. Break it into small pieces with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook until browned—about 6–8 minutes.
- Remove the cooked sausage and set it aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce
- In the same pan, add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Now stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and stir well. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the spinach and cook until it wilts.
- Then add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
Add the cooked sausage and pasta to the creamy sauce. Mix everything well so all the pasta is coated.
Step 6: Assemble the Bake
Pour the pasta and sauce into a large baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 7: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve
- Take it out of the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Total Fat | 36 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
| Calcium | 200 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rotini, ziti, or even shells work great in this recipe.
2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but the sauce will be a bit less creamy.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the whole dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10 extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or until hot.
5. Is there a vegetarian version?
You can swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or mushrooms. It’ll still be delicious!
6. Can I add other vegetables?
Sure! Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers all go well in this dish.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake is the kind of recipe that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table without a lot of effort. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of delicious Tuscan-style taste that the whole family will love.
The best part? It’s totally customizable. You can switch the sausage, try different veggies, or even play around with the cheeses. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll be coming back to it again and again. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get cooking. Your creamy, dreamy pasta bake is just a few easy steps away!
