Baked Penne With Sausage and Spinach (Oven or Crock-Pot)

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 1
Baked Penne With Sausage and Spinach (Oven or Crock-Pot)
in Pasta

Prep

20 min

Cook

35 min

Ready In

55 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup onion , finely chopped
1 lb Italian sausage , hot ( or mild if you prefer )
3 large garlic cloves , minced
1/2 cup red wine
1 can crushed tomatoes ( I like Cento brand )
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup pesto sauce , bottled ( I use homemade )
1 lb penne pasta
2 cups baby spinach leaves , fresh , coarsely chopped
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese , cubed ( or 4 oz . normal mozzarella )
1 cup parmesan cheese , divided usage

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
578
Sugar
7g
Fat
29g
Baked Penne With Sausage and Spinach is a classic Italian-American dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This recipe takes traditional penne pasta and combines it with savory Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, and fresh spinach. It is then baked to perfection with a cheesy topping of mozzarella and parmesan. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for feeding a large family or group of friends. Whether you choose to cook it in a traditional oven or a Crock-Pot, Baked Penne With Sausage and Spinach is a delicious and comforting meal that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2.In a large high-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3.Add the onions and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
4.Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, for about 10 minutes.
5.Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
6.Add the red wine, crushed tomatoes, water, and pesto sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
7.Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
8.Add the spinach to the sausage mixture and cook until wilted, for about 2 minutes.
9.Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sausage mixture. Toss well to combine.
10.Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the cubed mozzarella and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese.
11.Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve and enjoy!

PROS

Baked Penne With Sausage and Spinach is a delicious and hearty pasta dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or potluck.

The recipe is versatile and can be cooked in an oven or Crock-Pot depending on your preference.

The combination of savory sausage, tangy tomatoes, and fresh spinach creates a well-balanced flavor that is sure to satisfy.

CONS

This dish is not vegan or vegetarian-friendly due to the inclusion of sausage.

The pasta and cheese may not be suitable for those who are lactose intolerant.

This dish is relatively high in calories and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Baked Penne With Sausage and Spinach provides several valuable nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium.
The spinach in the recipe is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is rich in antioxidants and may help improve heart health and blood sugar control.
While sausage is not the healthiest ingredient, it does provide a good source of protein and iron.

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