Baked Penne with Sausage, Spinach

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Step 2

Set a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a boil.

Step 3

Cook pasta until soft on the outside, but not cooked all the way through.

Step 4

Drain, pour back into pot and toss with 3 tablespoons olive oil.

Step 5

Set aside, stirring occasionally while preparing the other ingredients.

Step 6

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage links for 15 minutes, flipping once, until sausage is cooked through.

Step 7

Once cool enough to handle, slice sausage into 12 inch thick slices and set aside.

Step 8

In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, red bell pepper, onion, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.

Step 9

Saute until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 10

Add garlic and saute for 1 additional minute.

Step 11

Reduce heat to medium and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.

Step 12

Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cream sauce has thickened.

Step 13

In the pasta pot, combine pasta, sausage, tomatoes, spinach and 3 cups mozzarella.

Step 14

Stir well to combine.

Step 15

Pour in cream sauce.

Step 16

Toss gently.

Step 17

Pour mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 18

Sprinkle reserved 1 cup mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 19

Bake for 20 minutes, until cheese is browned and pasta is cooked through