Slow Cooker Cheesy Tuscan Sausage & Spinach Penne Bake

Slow Cooker Cheesy Tuscan Sausage & Spinach Penne Bake

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground Italian sausage
• 8 oz uncooked penne pasta
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt & black pepper
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage with minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
2. Transfer the cooked sausage to the slow cooker.
3. Add marinara sauce, chicken broth, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 2½ hours.
5. Stir until the cream cheese is fully blended. Add the uncooked penne and chopped spinach, then mix well.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 30–45 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Cover for 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta—it can become soft quickly.
• Add a splash of broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving for a creamier texture.