Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe: A Family Favorite

Creamy Tuscan sausage pasta bake enhances ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that promises pure comfort.

Rich flavors dance across each carefully crafted bite, blending hearty sausage with velvety sauce.

Mediterranean influences shine through this rustic dish, capturing the essence of traditional Italian cuisine.

Layers of complex textures create a symphony of satisfaction that goes beyond typical pasta recipes.

Robust seasonings and carefully selected ingredients elevate this meal from simple to spectacular.

Unexpected combinations of herbs and spices infuse depth into every forkful.

Hearty and indulgent, this pasta bake represents the ultimate weeknight dinner solution for families craving something extraordinary.

Cooking Creamy Alfredo Casserole

• Rigatoni Pasta: Classic tube-shaped pasta perfect for holding creamy sauce and capturing small ingredients.
• Ground Italian Sausage: Flavorful meat base with rich, spicy characteristics ideal for adding depth to the dish.

• Butter: Provides rich base for sauce and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, smooth texture in the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic intensity to the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated tomato flavor with sweet and tangy notes.
• Spinach: Fresh green ingredient that adds nutritional value and color.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base with additional savory undertones.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that adds authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the sauce.
• Paprika: Provides subtle warmth and slight smoky background flavor.

Tips for a Great Alfredo Casserole

Step 1: Prepare The Pasta

Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown The Sausage

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground Italian sausage. Break it apart with a spoon until thoroughly browned. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Create The Flavor Base

• Minced garlic
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 4: Develop The Creamy Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Whisk continuously until bubbling. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, whisking until fully melted and integrated.

Step 5: Add Fresh Greens

Incorporate chopped spinach into the sauce, stirring until it wilts.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Mix cooked pasta and browned sausage into the sauce. Ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer pasta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake!

What Goes into Alfredo Casserole

• Savor Creamy Comfort: This pasta bake delivers ultimate comfort food with its rich, velvety sauce that hugs every single pasta tube, creating a warm and satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug.
• Bursting with Flavor Harmony: The combination of ground Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach creates a delightful flavor profile that balances savory, tangy, and earthy notes in every single bite.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, this recipe transforms into a delicious dinner in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families seeking a hassle-free, gourmet-style meal that doesn't compromise on taste.
• One-Pan Magic Technique: The method of building the sauce in the same skillet used for sausage maximizes flavor development and minimizes cleanup, giving home cooks a clever and efficient cooking approach that saves time and enhances overall dish complexity.

Storing Alfredo Casserole

• Maximize Flavor Depth: Brown the sausage thoroughly to develop rich, caramelized notes that intensify the overall taste of the dish.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk the sauce continuously and gradually add Parmesan to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, velvety texture.
• Select Quality Ingredients: Use fresh Italian sausage and high-quality Parmesan cheese for the most authentic and robust flavor profile.
• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Cook rigatoni just until al dente, as it will continue to absorb sauce and soften during baking.
• Enhance Herb Freshness: Consider adding fresh chopped basil or parsley right before serving to brighten the dish's flavor and add a vibrant visual touch.

Side Ideas for Alfredo Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the pasta bake will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the container sealed to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Freeze: Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen pasta bake can last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce's creamy texture.

Fun Variations on Alfredo Casserole

• Savor Tuscan Wine Harmony: Pair this creamy pasta bake with a robust Chianti Classico or Sangiovese, whose bold red fruit notes and moderate tannins perfectly complement the rich sausage and creamy sauce.
• Elevate with Crisp Salad Companion: Serve alongside a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, creating a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta's creamy texture and cutting through its richness.
• Enhance with Herbal Garlic Bread: Prepare a crusty garlic bread with fresh herbs like basil and parsley, allowing diners to soak up the delectable sauce and add an extra layer of Mediterranean flavor to the meal.
• Balance with Sparkling Beverage Twist: Offer a chilled prosecco or sparkling water with a slice of lemon, providing a bright, effervescent counterpoint to the dish's intense and creamy profile.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole and the Sides That Make It Shine

• Spicy Mediterranean Fusion: Replace Italian sausage with chorizo and add red pepper flakes for a fiery kick. Incorporate roasted red peppers and swap spinach for arugula to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Comfort Classic: Substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted mushrooms. Include extra vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to boost nutritional value and create a hearty vegetarian version.
• Seafood Coastal Remix: Trade ground sausage for succulent shrimp or lump crab meat. Incorporate fresh dill and lemon zest to brighten the sauce, creating a coastal-inspired pasta bake with rich, oceanic notes.
• Lean Protein Power: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage. Add quinoa alongside pasta for increased protein content and mix in kale for additional nutrients and a vibrant green color.

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Tuscan sausage pasta bake delivers Italian comfort with elegant simplicity. Rich sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and herbed sausage meld into a luscious dinner you’ll savor with each comforting forkful.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 g) ground Italian sausage
• 1 cup (100 g) Parmesan cheese, finely shredded

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 g) rigatoni pasta
• ¾ cup (177 ml) low sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 teaspoons (15 ml) garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) paprika
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach, chopped
• ½ cup (75 g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Cook rigatoni pasta in salted water according to package instructions until perfectly tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and cook ground Italian sausage, methodically crumbling meat with a wooden spoon until completely browned and no trace of pink remains. Carefully drain excess fat and transfer sausage to a separate plate.
3. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and melt butter until it becomes slightly foamy. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, quickly sautéing for approximately 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
4. Pour chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and paprika into the skillet. Whisk continuously until the mixture begins to simmer and slightly thicken.
5. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring consistently until fully melted and creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
6. Fold chopped spinach into the sauce, stirring until leaves begin to wilt and integrate seamlessly with the creamy mixture.
7. Combine cooked pasta, browned sausage, and sauce, gently mixing to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer pasta mixture to a prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
9. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese across the top of the pasta bake for extra flavor and golden-brown finish.
10. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the top becomes golden and the edges start to bubble, indicating the dish is perfectly heated through.

Notes

• Elevate your pasta game with this indulgent Tuscan-inspired comfort dish that combines rich, creamy sauce with hearty Italian sausage.
• Perfectly balance flavors by draining excess sausage grease to prevent a greasy final texture and maintain the sauce’s silky consistency.
• Whisk the sauce continuously to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, integrated blend of cream, broth, and cheese.
• Wilting spinach directly in the sauce maximizes flavor absorption and adds a nutritious green element to the bake.
• Choose rigatoni for its ridged texture, which helps trap the creamy sauce and provides an excellent bite in every forkful.
• Opt for freshly grated Parmesan for the topping to achieve a golden, crispy crust that adds a delightful textural contrast.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 684 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 56 g
• Saturated Fat: 30 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg