Savory Baked Pasta with Spicy Sausage and Smoky Gouda
Indulge in this comforting and cheesy baked pasta dish that combines the spicy kick of hot Italian sausage with the rich flavors of smoked Gouda and fresh spinach. The layers of tender penne covered in a luscious marinara and pesto sauce create a symphony of textures and tastes that is bound to satisfy. Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, this delightful one-dish meal is easy to make and even easier to enjoy — your loved ones are sure to come back for seconds and thirds!
8
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
hot Italian sausage
1 lb (casings removed)
onion
1 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Pomi marinara sauce
2 (26 ounce) boxes (or other high-quality prepared marinara sauce)
pesto sauce
6 tablespoons (store-bought is fine)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
penne pasta
1 lb
smoked Gouda cheese
8 ounces (or smoked mozzarella, finely diced)
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (freshly grated)
baby spinach leaves
1 (6 ounce) bag
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the hot Italian sausage and finely chopped onion.
2
Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, breaking up the sausage with a spoon, until the sausage is browned and the onion is softened, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
3
Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4
Pour in the marinara sauce, then reduce the heat to medium. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken.
5
Stir in the pesto sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
6
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until al dente, then drain well.
7
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil.
8
Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
9
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne, the remaining sauce, diced smoked Gouda or mozzarella, 1/3 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is well incorporated.
10
Spoon the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
11
Sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.
12
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is beautifully browned.
13
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
45g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
Savory Baked Pasta with Spicy Sausage and Smoky Gouda.
How many servings does this baked pasta recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What type of pasta is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of penne pasta.
What kind of sausage should I use?
You should use 1 lb of hot Italian sausage with the casings removed.
What gives the dish its smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from 8 ounces of finely diced smoked Gouda cheese.
Can I substitute the smoked Gouda with another cheese?
Yes, you can use smoked mozzarella as a substitute for smoked Gouda.
How many calories are in one serving of this pasta?
There are 400 calories per serving.
What are the sauces used in the base?
The base uses a combination of marinara sauce and 6 tablespoons of pesto sauce.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How long should the pasta bake in the oven?
Bake for about 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is browned.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 20g of protein.
What size baking dish do I need?
The recipe requires a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Do I need to cook the pasta completely before baking?
No, cook it for about 10 minutes until it is al dente.
Is there any fresh spinach in this recipe?
Yes, one 6-ounce bag of baby spinach leaves is mixed into the pasta.
How much fat is in a single serving?
A single serving contains 18.75g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 45g of carbohydrates per serving.
What amount of Parmesan cheese is needed?
You will need 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese in total.
When should I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after browning the sausage and onion, and sauté for one minute.
How long should the marinara sauce simmer?
Allow the marinara sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes until it begins to thicken.
Should the onion be chopped in a specific way?
The onion should be finely chopped.
Can I use store-bought pesto sauce?
Yes, store-bought pesto sauce is perfectly fine for this recipe.
How much marinara sauce is required?
You need two 26-ounce boxes of marinara sauce.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, grease the baking dish with a little olive oil before adding the pasta.
How much Parmesan goes on the top of the dish?
Sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top before baking.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Add the hot Italian sausage and finely chopped onion to a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Should I let the dish rest before serving?
Yes, let the baked pasta rest for a few minutes before serving hot.
What seasonings are recommended for the sauce?
Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include baked pasta, sausage, cheesy, comfort food, one dish meal, pasta casserole, and Italian cuisine.
How many cloves of garlic are used?
The recipe uses 3 minced garlic cloves.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is described as a perfect one-dish meal for family gatherings or meal prep.