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If you are looking for a comforting pasta dinner that is creamy, cheesy, and easy enough for busy evenings, this Tuscan Baked Spaghetti Recipe deserves a place on your menu. Unlike a classic baked spaghetti made with marinara, this version uses a rich white sauce with Italian sausage, spinach, sun dried tomatoes, and melted mozzarella. The result is a hearty pasta bake that slices neatly like lasagna while keeping the familiar texture of spaghetti.
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Meta Description: Make this Tuscan Baked Spaghetti Recipe with Italian sausage, spinach, sun dried tomatoes, creamy white sauce, and mozzarella. An easy family pasta casserole perfect for weeknight dinners.
Why You Will Love This Tuscan Baked Spaghetti Recipe
This Tuscan Baked Spaghetti Recipe is everything you want from a comforting baked pasta without using red sauce.
It combines tender spaghetti with seasoned Italian sausage, creamy homemade white sauce, wilted spinach, and sun dried tomatoes for a meal that is rich without being complicated.
Here are a few reasons this recipe stands out.
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for a weeknight pasta dinner
- Easy to prepare ahead of time
- Freezer friendly for future meals
- Great for family dinners and potlucks
- A wonderful baked spaghetti without red sauce
If you usually make lasagna but want something quicker, this baked spaghetti casserole offers many of the same comforting qualities with less preparation.
What Does Tuscan Baked Spaghetti Taste Like?
This tuscan pasta bake has a creamy white sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti. The Italian sausage adds richness while the sun dried tomatoes provide a slightly sweet and tangy contrast. Baby spinach blends into the sauce without overpowering the dish, and the melted mozzarella creates a golden cheesy topping.
Unlike traditional baked spaghetti with marinara, this version has a smooth, creamy texture that many people compare to baked pasta with bechamel.
Ingredients for Tuscan Baked Spaghetti
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients.
- 1 pound dried spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 pound mild or spicy Italian sausage with casings removed if needed
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup julienne cut sun dried tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk or 2 percent milk
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 3 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
Preparing this baked spaghetti recipe is simple with basic kitchen equipment.
- Large pot
- Dutch oven or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Colander
- 9 x 9 inch or 9 x 13 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
Tuscan Baked Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Tuscan Baked Spaghetti Recipe combines Italian sausage, spinach, sun dried tomatoes, creamy white sauce, and melted mozzarella in one baking dish. An easy family pasta casserole perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 pound mild or spicy Italian sausage with casings removed if needed
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup julienne cut sun dried tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk or 2 percent milk
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 3 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti one minute less than the package directions for al dente. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion, sun dried tomatoes, garlic, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes until the onion softens.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sausage mixture. Stir constantly for one minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the spinach one handful at a time, stirring until wilted. Pour the finished white sauce over the cooked spaghetti and toss until evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Transfer everything to a baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until bubbling around the edges and the cheese has melted. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Cook the pasta just under al dente since it continues cooking in the oven. Whisk the milk gradually into the flour mixture to prevent lumps. Freshly shred your mozzarella for smoother melting. Allow the casserole to rest before serving so it holds together better. Do not overbake or the white sauce may become thicker than desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
This creamy baked spaghetti is easy to customize.
- Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.
- Replace mozzarella with provolone, fontina, or Monterey Jack.
- Add sliced mushrooms for more vegetables.
- Stir in grated Parmesan before baking.
- Swap spinach for chopped kale.
- Use gluten free spaghetti if needed.
- Add cooked chicken instead of sausage for a different variation.
How to Make Tuscan Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
Cook the spaghetti one minute less than the package directions for al dente. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium high heat.
Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 3
Add the diced onion, sun dried tomatoes, garlic, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
Cook for about 4 minutes until the onion softens.
Step 4
Sprinkle the flour over the sausage mixture.
Stir constantly for one minute.
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5
Add the spinach one handful at a time, stirring until wilted.
Pour the finished white sauce over the cooked spaghetti and toss until evenly coated.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 6
Transfer everything to a baking dish and spread into an even layer.
Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until bubbling around the edges and the cheese has melted.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
What to Serve with Tuscan Baked Spaghetti
This baked spaghetti with Italian sausage pairs well with simple side dishes.
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Steamed green beans
- Mixed garden salad
- Roasted asparagus
For dessert, our Cottage Cheese Lava Cake makes a simple finish to the meal.
Tips for the Best Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Cook the pasta just under al dente since it continues cooking in the oven.
Whisk the milk gradually into the flour mixture to prevent lumps.
Freshly shred your mozzarella for smoother melting.
Allow the casserole to rest before serving so it holds together better.
Do not overbake or the white sauce may become thicker than desired.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
This make ahead pasta bake is perfect for meal prep.
Assemble the casserole without baking.
Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Bake covered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until hot and lightly browned.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
When reheating, stir in a small splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.
Tuscan Baked Spaghetti vs Lasagna
Many readers wonder whether this recipe is similar to lasagna.
Both dishes are baked pasta casseroles that feed a crowd.
However, this baked spaghetti casserole skips layering and uses spaghetti instead of lasagna noodles. The creamy white sauce replaces traditional marinara, making it a great choice if you prefer creamy baked spaghetti no tomato sauce.
General Information
This Tuscan Baked Spaghetti Recipe serves approximately 6 people.
Preparation time is 10 minutes.
Cooking time is 40 to 45 minutes.
Difficulty level is beginner friendly.
It works well as a family pasta casserole, potluck pasta recipe, or freezer friendly dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Tuscan Baked Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to two days before baking.
Can I freeze baked spaghetti?
Yes. Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to three months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes. Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine also work well.
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
You can, but the sauce will be much richer. Whole milk provides an excellent balance.
Can I make this without sausage?
Yes. Cooked chicken, ground turkey, or sautéed mushrooms are excellent alternatives.
Why is this called Tuscan baked spaghetti?
The name comes from the combination of ingredients often associated with Tuscan style pasta recipes, including spinach, sun dried tomatoes, garlic, and creamy white sauce.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving.
- Calories: 640
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 48 grams
- Fat: 35 grams
- Saturated Fat: 15 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 9 grams
- Sodium: 780 milligrams
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
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Conclusion
This Tuscan Baked Spaghetti Recipe is an easy dinner that brings together spaghetti, Italian sausage, spinach, sun dried tomatoes, creamy white sauce, and melted mozzarella in one baking dish. It is ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, meal prep, or freezer meals. Whether you are looking for a baked spaghetti recipe, a tuscan pasta bake, or a comforting baked spaghetti with mozzarella, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal with simple ingredients.
If you make this recipe, please leave a review in the comments and share your photos on Pinterest. I always enjoy seeing how these recipes turn out in your kitchen.
