Best 11 Baked Penne With Sausage And Spinach Oven Or Crock Pot Recipes

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Are you craving a comforting and delectable meal that combines the flavors of sausage, spinach, and pasta in a single dish? Look no further! This introduction will guide you on how to create a culinary masterpiece: Baked Penne with Sausage and Spinach, a dish that can be effortlessly prepared either in a traditional oven or the convenience of a slow cooker (crock pot). Whether you're hosting a family gathering or seeking a hearty weeknight dinner, this versatile recipe offers a tantalizing blend of textures and flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

BAKED PENNE WITH SAUSAGE, SPINACH, AND BEANS



Baked Penne With Sausage, Spinach, and Beans image

This is my absolute favorite recipe of the year so far. Wow. Wow. Wow. Something about the combination of spinach and mozzarella and tomatoes with beans that is heavenly comfort food at its finest. Feel free to substitute any kind of beans or use kale or swiss chard in place of the spinach. Recipe courtesy of Spilling the Beans.

Provided by AmyZoe

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 1h

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 tablespoon canola oil or 1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking
3 -5 garlic cloves, crushed
3 fresh chicken sausage or 3 Italian sausages
28 ounces diced tomatoes
19 ounces white beans, rinsed and drained
5 1/2 ounces tomato paste
1/4 cup pesto sauce (optional)
salt (to taste)
pepper (to taste)
3 cups penne pasta, rigatoni or 3 cups rotini pasta
10 ounces baby spinach leaves, coarsely torn
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 c- 1 c parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat and cook the onion and garlic for a few minutes, until soft.
  • Squeeze the sausages out of their casings into the pan and cook, breaking up the meat until it's no longer pink.
  • Add the tomatoes, beans, and tomato paste and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Stir in the pesto and some salt and pepper.
  • Cook the pasta until al dente, drain it well, and toss it with the spinach, mozzarella, and about half the parmesan cheese in a large bowl.
  • Stir in the hot tomato sauce, which will slihtly wilt the spinach.
  • Pour into one or more baking dishes (it should be enough to fill one 9x13 inch pan) and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.
  • At this point the dish can be cooled completely, covered, and kept in the refrigerator overnight, or frozen for up to 4 months. Bake from frozen.
  • Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes (40 minutes if frozen), until bubbly and golden.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 543.5, Fat 16.5, SaturatedFat 6.2, Cholesterol 72.5, Sodium 867.1, Carbohydrate 77, Fiber 13.8, Sugar 8.2, Protein 26.1

BAKED PENNE WITH SAUSAGE AND SPINACH (OVEN OR CROCK-POT)



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

This baked pasta recipe is great for a potluck, or to take to someone who is in need of a home-cooked "comfort" meal. It's very flavorful, simple to prepare, and inexpensive to make. You can bake it in the oven or make it in the crockpot (instructions included). I particularly like the blend of fresh and zesty ingredients (spinach, fresh mozarella, pesto and hot sausage). For a fantastic meal, serve it with my Recipe #291227, #291227.

Provided by CookinDiva

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup onion, finely chopped (1 medium onion)
1 lb Italian sausage, hot (or mild if you prefer)
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup red wine
1 (28 ounce) 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

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375. Grease a deep lasagna pan (or two 9x9 pans). Crockpot instructions are at the bottom.
  • SAUCE: In a large deep saucepan, heat oil. Add onion and saute slowly until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add sausage to pan; continue to saute and break up sausage into bite size pieces. When sausage is just about done, add garlic for a minute or two. Finally, pour red wine into pan and bring wine to a boil to evaporate alcohol and eliminate most of the liquid.
  • Add tomatoes to other ingredients. Pour about 1/2 cup water into the tomato can to clean out the can - add this water to the pot. Add pesto. While this simmers about 10 minutes, cook the pasta.
  • PASTA: Bring plenty of salted water to boil for pasta (lots of water will prevent sticky pasta). Cook according to package directions; drain.
  • In a large mixing bowl, toss hot cooked pasta, chopped fresh spinach and tomato/sausage sauce. DO NOT ADD CHEESE YET. Continue combining hot ingredients until spinach wilts slightly, THEN add cubed mozzarella and 1/2 CUP of the Parmesan cheese. Toss quickly and pour into your prepared baking dish (if you work with the cheese too long, it will become a stringy mess!).
  • Sprinkle final 1/2 CUP Parmesan on top.
  • Bake 375 for 30 minutes, uncovered, until hot and bubbly.
  • CROCKPOT VERSION FOR A CROWD: Double recipe. Make sure pasta is a bit undercooked (slightly firm). Pour into crockpot; add 1 cup hot water around the edges. Cook on HIGH 3 hours.

BAKED PENNE WITH SAUSAGE, TOMATO AND CAULIFLOWER



Baked Penne with Sausage, Tomato and Cauliflower image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 1/2 cups chicken stock
Generous pinch saffron threads
Kosher salt
1 head cauliflower, cored
1 tablespoon EVOO
1 pound bulk Italian sweet sausage
3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 bay leaf
1 thin cinnamon stick (2 to 3 inches long)
One 28-to-32 ounce can whole San Marzano tomatoes (look for the DOP label)
Freshly ground pepper
1 pound penne rigate
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces mild provolone, caciocavallo or young Asiago cheese, shredded
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/2 cup grated pecorino
Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for serving

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Heat the stock with the saffron in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Meanwhile, bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil in a pot and season with salt. Add the cauliflower, cover and steam until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain and break into florets.
  • Heat the EVOO in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and crumble it into very small pieces with a potato masher or wooden spoon. Add the garlic and onions and cook for 5 minutes. Deglaze with the wine, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, tomatoes and saffron stock and stir to break up the tomatoes. Simmer until thickened, about 30 minutes. Discard the bay leaf and cinnamon stick and season with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook to just shy of al dente, about 7 minutes. Reserve a ladle of the starchy cooking liquid and drain the pasta.
  • Return the pasta to the pot. Add the heavy cream, cauliflower, sausage sauce and
  • a little of the reserved cooking liquid and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and top with the cheeses and parsley. Bake until the top is browned, 35 to 40 minutes. Divide among plates.
  • Cook's Note: The unbaked casserole can be covered and refrigerated for a make-ahead meal. Bake as directed before serving.

CHEESY SPINACH BAKED PENNE



Cheesy Spinach Baked Penne image

Making homemade tomato sauce for this recipe really allows you to control what goes into it. Here, it's mixed up with chunks of mozzarella for extra bursts of cheesy goodness, along with cottage cheese for all the satisfying qualities of ricotta with only a fraction of the fat and calories.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h21m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Nonstick cooking spray
Kosher salt
One 12-ounce box fiber-and-calcium-enriched penne
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
One 28-ounce can no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
1 sprig fresh basil plus 1/2 cup leaves, torn, for garnish
Freshly ground black pepper
One 8-ounce block part-skim mozzarella (half grated, half cubed)
One 16-ounce container 1-percent cottage cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
One 10-ounce block frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Mist a 2 to 2 1/2-quart rectangular or oval baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions for al dente.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat the oil in a medium pot set over medium heat. Add the fennel seeds and garlic and cook until aromatic, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, basil sprig, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Simmer, lowering the heat if the sauce bubbles too vigorously, until the sauce has thickened slightly, the flavors have blended together and the raw tomato taste has cooked out, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat, discard the basil and season with additional salt and pepper. Pour over the cooked pasta and toss well to coat. Add the cubed mozzarella and transfer half the pasta to the prepared baking dish.
  • Put the cottage cheese in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. Add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan and pulse two to three times. Combine half the cottage cheese mixture with the spinach and mix to break up the spinach. Drop in spoonfuls over the pasta in the baking dish. Top the spinach layer with the rest of the pasta and then the remaining cottage cheese mixture.
  • Bake until bubbly and golden brown on top, about 30 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes, and then scatter the torn basil over the top.

SKILLET PENNE WITH SAUSAGE AND SPINACH RECIPE - (4.3/5)



Skillet Penne with Sausage and Spinach Recipe - (4.3/5) image

Provided by mytastytreasures

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian-style turkey sausage, casings removed I used a combo of hot and sweet Italian sausage
3 medium garlic cloves, minced finely
2 1/4 cups water
2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, rinsed and chopped fine
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 ounces (about 2 1/2 cups) penne pasta
1 (6 ounce) bag baby spinach, I used 10 ounces
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot and add in the sausage. Cook until lightly browned and no longer pink about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the water, broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, then add in the pasta. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook at a strong simmer, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened, about 15-18 minutes Stir in the spinach, a handful at at time, and cook until wilted. Off the heat, stir in the cheese and pine nuts. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

PENNE & SAUSAGE CASSEROLES



Penne & Sausage Casseroles image

Cheese, sausage and mushrooms make this casserole a consistent hit. It comes together quickly and feeds a crowd, too. -John Venturino, Concord, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 2 casseroles (8 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 14

1-1/2 pounds uncooked penne pasta
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 large onion, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1-1/2 cups dry red wine or beef broth, divided
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) stewed tomatoes, cut up
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
4 cups shredded fontina cheese
Minced fresh parsley, optional

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain and set aside., In the same Dutch oven, saute mushrooms and onion in oil until tender. Add garlic and oregano; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in 1 cup wine. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, sausage and remaining wine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes., Drain pasta. Spread 1/2 cup sauce in each of two greased 13x9-in. baking dishes. Divide half of the pasta between the dishes; layer each with 2-1/2 cups sauce and 1 cup each of the cheeses. Repeat layers., Cover and bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 460 calories, Fat 21g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 59mg cholesterol, Sodium 756mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 24g protein.

BAKED PENNE



Baked Penne image

This version of the Italian-inspired classic dish combines ground beef, peppers, and sauteed onions, baked with penne and PHILADELPHIA Italian Cheese and Herb Cooking Creme, and topped with Mozzarella cheese.

Provided by Philadelphia

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese

Time 35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

½ pound extra lean ground beef
½ cup chopped onions
½ cup chopped green peppers
1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 (10 ounce) tub PHILADELPHIA Italian Cheese and Herb Cooking Creme, divided
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
3 cups hot cooked penne pasta

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Brown meat with vegetables in large nonstick skillet. Stir in spaghetti sauce, 3/4 cup cooking creme and 1/2 cup mozzarella: cook and stir 2 to 3 min. or until mozzarella is melted. Add pasta; mix lightly.
  • Spoon into 2-qt. casserole; top with remaining cooking creme and mozzarella. Cover.
  • Bake 20 min. or until heated through, uncovering after 15 min.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 397.2 calories, Carbohydrate 38.8 g, Cholesterol 64.2 mg, Fat 17.3 g, Fiber 4.4 g, Protein 21.4 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Sodium 922 mg, Sugar 11.3 g

PENNE SAUSAGE BAKE



Penne Sausage Bake image

"This hearty pasta dish was inspired by the delicious sausage rolls served at our favorite Italian restaurant," relates Vicky Benscoter of Birmingham, Alabama. "I serve if frequently for supper since it's easy to prepare and my husband thinks it's great!"

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 package (16 ounces) uncooked penne pasta
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
3 cups fat-free meatless spaghetti sauce
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. In a large skillet, saute green pepper and onion in oil for 6-7 minutes. Add sausage; cook and stir until sausage is no longer pink. Drain. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and pasta., Transfer to a 3-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Cover and bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with cheeses. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 276 calories, Fat 11g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 40mg cholesterol, Sodium 948mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

BAKED PENNE WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE



Baked Penne with Italian Sausage image

This is a hearty, filling meal that's full of flavor!

Provided by SADIEQQ

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (12 ounce) package dry penne pasta
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound mild Italian sausage
1 cup chopped onion
½ cup white wine
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with garlic
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • Heat oil in a large, deep skillet. Place sausage and onion in the skillet and cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain excess fat. Pour in wine, and cook for 1 minute, stirring, to deglaze the pan. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Toss with cooked pasta, and place in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle top with mozzarella.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 664.1 calories, Carbohydrate 59.2 g, Cholesterol 81.6 mg, Fat 33.5 g, Fiber 5.1 g, Protein 31 g, SaturatedFat 12.9 g, Sodium 1714.1 mg, Sugar 13.7 g

SAUSAGE BAKED PENNE



Sausage Baked Penne image

Bring Italian flavors to your family's dinner table tonight. Italian pork sausage and penne pasta star in this cheesy dish.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 box (16 oz) penne pasta
1 lb bulk Italian pork sausage
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 cups tomato pasta sauce
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch slices
Small fresh basil leaves, if desired

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package, using minimum cook time.
  • Meanwhile, heat 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage; cook 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink. Drain.
  • In large bowl, stir together sausage, ricotta cheese, garlic, dried basil, pepper flakes, salt, pepper and 2 cups of the pasta sauce. Add cooked pasta; toss gently. Spoon mixture into baking dish. Top with remaining 2 cups pasta sauce. Arrange mozzarella cheese slices over sauce.
  • Bake uncovered 35 to 40 minutes or until thoroughly heated and cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 590, Carbohydrate 57 g, Fat 2, Fiber 4 g, Protein 26 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 990 mg

BAKED SAUSAGE AND PENNE



Baked Sausage and Penne image

Add something cheesy to your family's dinner! Bake this delicious casserole made with pork sausage and pasta.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 2/3 cups uncooked penne pasta (8 oz)
1 lb bulk Italian pork sausage
1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend (4 oz)
Thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, if desired

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 11x7-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In Dutch oven or 3-quart saucepan, cook pasta as directed on package, using minimum cook time; drain and return to Dutch oven.
  • Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet, cook sausage, onion and garlic over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage is no longer pink; drain. Add sausage, marinara sauce and basil to cooked pasta in Dutch oven; stir well. Spoon into baking dish.
  • In small bowl, mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese and egg. Spoon over pasta mixture. Sprinkle with cheese blend.
  • Cover; bake 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 580, Carbohydrate 50 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 31 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1260 mg

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the dish will taste. Choose fresh, flavorful vegetables, high-quality cheese, and savory sausage.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the sausage and vegetables, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will prevent them from cooking evenly and will make the dish soggy.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente pasta is slightly firm to the bite and will hold its shape better in the dish.
  • Use a flavorful sauce: The sauce is what brings all the flavors of the dish together. Choose a sauce that is flavorful and complements the other ingredients.
  • Don't overcook the spinach: Spinach wilts quickly, so only cook it for a few minutes until it is just wilted.
  • Top with cheese: A layer of melted cheese on top of the dish will add a delicious cheesy flavor and help to hold the dish together.

Conclusion:

Baked penne with sausage and spinach is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The combination of savory sausage, flavorful sauce, and wilted spinach makes for a satisfying and comforting dish. Whether you bake it in the oven or slow-cook it in a crock pot, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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