Ingredients

1 lb hot Italian sausage , casings removed
1 onion , finely chopped
3 garlic cloves , minced
2 boxes pomi brand marinara sauce ( or other high-quality prepared marinara sauce )
6 tablespoons pesto sauce ( store-bought is fine )
salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 lb penne
8 ounces smoked gouda cheese or 8 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese , finely diced
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 bag baby spinach leaves
Baked Pasta With Sausage and Tomato Pesto is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. It combines hot Italian sausage, tomato pesto sauce, spinach, and three types of cheese to create a hearty and flavorful pasta bake. This recipe is easy to make and can be enjoyed hot out of the oven or reheated for leftovers throughout the week.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2.In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
3.Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon.
4.Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is softened.
5.Add the marinara sauce and pesto to the skillet and stir to combine.
6.In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sausage mixture, diced cheese, parmesan cheese and spinach.
7.Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir until everything is evenly distributed.
8.Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the pasta is heated through.

PROS

This savory pasta dish is packed with flavor and easy to make.

The combination of hot Italian sausage and pesto sauce is sure to please any crowd.

CONS

This recipe calls for a lot of cheese, which can make it high in fat and calories.

It may not be the best choice for those watching their cholesterol or dairy intake.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this recipe may not be the healthiest, it does contain spinach which is a good source of vitamins A and C.
The hot Italian sausage can also provide a healthy dose of protein.
For a healthier option, try using turkey sausage or lean ground beef instead.

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