Ingredients

17 1/2 ounces penne ( smaller bag )
1 Italian sausage or ( 12 inch ) Farmer 's sausage
1 box frozen chopped spinach
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
3 cups spaghetti sauce
6 ounces tomato paste
cayenne
1 cup ricotta cheese
3/4 cup parmesan cheese
2 egg whites , slightly beaten
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Sausage and Spinach Penne Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or even to feed a crowd. The dish is quite easy to make, and it uses simple ingredients that can be found in any supermarket. The dish contains Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and penne pasta in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, all of which is topped with oozing melted mozzarella cheese. This casserole packs a punch both in terms of taste and nutrition!

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2.Cook penne pasta according to package instructions with salt and olive oil. Drain and keep aside.
3.Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add sliced sausage. Cook until evenly browned for about 5-6 minutes. Add chopped onion to the skillet and saute until they become translucent.
4.Add minced garlic, chopped frozen spinach to the skillet, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
5.Reduce heat to low and stir in the spaghetti sauce and tomato paste. Season with a pinch of cayenne and let it simmer for 5-6 minutes.
6.In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and egg whites.
7.Add cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir in the ricotta mixture.
8.Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and pour half of the penne mixture on to the dish. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and layer with the rest of the penne mixture.
9.Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
10.Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned on top.

PROS

Sausage and Spinach Penne Casserole is a hearty, comforting, and delicious dish that can be made in advance and served for dinner!
This recipe is perfect for big family gatherings or potlucks as it serves a large crowd and can be easily reheated.

It’s a one-pot meal that is jam-packed with protein, carbohydrates, and nutrients!

CONS

This dish is quite heavy on the carbohydrates, as it contains a lot of pasta, which can be a concern for people on a low-carb diet.
Also, the dish is relatively high in calories, so it should be consumed in moderation.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Sausage and Spinach Penne Casserole contains protein, vitamins, and fiber from the vegetables, and carbohydrates from the pasta, which can provide energy to the body.
Spinach is a great source of iron, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood cells. It is also high in antioxidants, which can help prevent chronic diseases. Sausage, on the other hand, is high in protein, which helps to build muscle mass and repair tissues. However, it can also be high in sodium, so it should be eaten in moderation.

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