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Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it, but make sure to reserve about a cup of pasta water. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Cook the Bacon and Sausage
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook it until it becomes crispy and releases its fat. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
In the same skillet, add the sausage meat (without the casings) and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Garlic and Spinach
To the sausage mixture, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the ricotta (if using) and allow everything to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Add half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sausage and bacon mixture. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the creamy pasta mixture into a greased baking dish (9×13 works well). Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
7. Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. The cheese should be melted and slightly crispy around the edges. If you want an extra crispy top, you can broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
8. Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional grated cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Customize the Meat: While sausage and bacon are the stars here, you can easily swap out or add other proteins like chicken, ground turkey, or even pancetta.
- Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cheese.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Freezer-Friendly: This pasta bake freezes wonderfully! After assembling, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Why This Creamy Sausage and Bacon Pasta Bake is a Must-Try:
This pasta bake is the ultimate in comfort food, combining rich, creamy sauce with crispy bacon, savory sausage, and the subtle freshness of spinach. It’s everything you could want in a meal—hearty, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. The blend of flavors creates a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting, perfect for those chilly nights or when you just need something to bring joy to your dinner table.
The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility. It’s easy to make, yet it tastes as if you’ve spent hours preparing it. It’s also the kind of dish that’s just as good the next day, making it an excellent option for leftovers or meal prep.
Conclusion:
Creamy Sausage and Bacon Pasta Bake with Cheese and Spinach is the kind of meal that’ll become a go-to in your recipe rotation. It’s packed with flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this pasta bake is sure to hit the spot. So, gather your ingredients, get baking, and prepare to indulge in this mouthwatering comfort food classic!
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