Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach Pasta Bake

By Susan52

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked rigatoni
• 3 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
• 1 (10-oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 1-1/4 pounds Italian sausage
• 1 (14.5-oz) can Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8-oz) container chive-and-onion cream cheese
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a deep dish 9-inch pan with cooking spray.

Cook rigatoni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

In a skillet, cook Italian sausage until no longer pink. Drain fat.

Drain chopped spinach well, pressing between layers of paper towels.

In a bowl, combine cooked rigatoni, drained spinach, cooked sausage, onion flakes, tomatoes, cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.

Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish, and sprinkle evenly with remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes.