Baked Tuscan Style Pasta

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold Tuscan-inspired flavors.

If you’re looking for a pasta dish that feels comforting but elevated, this baked Tuscan style pasta is it. It’s rich, creamy, and layered with flavor from Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach—all brought together with a velvety cream sauce and finished with a bubbly, golden cheese topping.

It’s the kind of meal that feels perfect for a cozy night in but is easy enough to make on a busy weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor

• One-pan (plus pasta) and easy to make

• Perfect balance of savory + slightly tangy from sun-dried tomatoes

• Family-friendly and filling

• Great for leftovers

I🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb (454 g) ground Italian sausage

• 1 lb (454 g) medium shell pasta

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) oil from sun-dried tomatoes

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 onion, chopped

• 1/4 cup (35 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• 4 oz (113 g) tomato paste

• 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) heavy cream

• 1 cup (30 g) fresh spinach

• 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings (for sauce):

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shell pasta according to package directions.Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Sausage

In a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat.Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan, add chopped onion, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.

Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning, mixing well to coat everything evenly.

4. Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Add Cheese & Spinach

Add spinach and let it wilt.Stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella and parmesan until melted and smooth.

6. Combine Everything

Return sausage to the pan and add cooked pasta.Mix until everything is well coated.

7. Bake Until Bubbly

Top with remaining mozzarella and broil on high for about 4 minutes, until melted and bubbly.

Tips for Best Results

• Use oil from the sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor

• Don’t skip cooking the tomato paste—it deepens the sauce

• Watch closely while broiling to avoid burning

• Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce gets too thick

Serving Ideas

Serve with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.