Description
Dinner Ideas Hot Day Need simple, hearty dinners that please a crowd? Try these easy recipes for 3+ people perfect for busy weeknights! From creamy mac & cheese (with epic toppings!) to smoked sausage bakes, cheesy ranch potatoes, and one-pan chicken & rice casseroles, these meals are fast, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Great for family dinners, summer cookouts, or meal prep no fuss, just delicious comfort food!
Cheesy Sausage and Spinach Pasta Bake
Ingredients
12 oz pasta shells (jumbo or medium)
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
3 cups fresh spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Fresh basil for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 1 minute, then add Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
In a large bowl, mix marinara sauce with ricotta cheese. Add cooked pasta and sausage-spinach mixture, stirring to combine.
Transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and cherry tomato halves. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, cheesy goodness!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
#PastaBake #CheesyGoodness #ItalianComfortFood #FamilyMeals #SpinachLovers #EasyDinner
