One-Pot Italian Sausage and Spinach Casserole
A hearty Italian-inspired casserole with savory sausage, tender spinach, and creamy cheese baked to bubbly perfection. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 45 minutes pairs uncooked penne pasta, roughly chopped fresh spinach leaves, (14.5 oz), undrained diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, casings removed Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 12 oz uncooked penne pasta
- 5 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach leaves
- 1 can (14.5 oz), undrained diced tomatoes
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 12 oz uncooked penne pasta, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is almost tender.
- Step 4: Stir in 5 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach and 1 cup ricotta cheese until spinach wilts and mixture is creamy.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Step 6: Transfer skillet to oven and bake uncovered for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
- Step 7: Let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow casserole to set.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Italian Sausage and Spinach Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Italian Sausage and Spinach Casserole?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep uncooked penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Italian Sausage and Spinach Casserole?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Italian Sausage and Spinach Casserole for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Italian Sausage and Spinach Casserole?
Italian one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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