This Italian-inspired casserole is just what you will need for the busy days of the week.

It is a priority during the busy holiday season to spend time with special people.

This Italian casserole, sent to us by Mrs. Harland J. you could assemble it a day ahead and chill overnight.

Southern Living Italian Casserole

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Wrap and refrigerate overnight, or freeze for up to three months.

spaghetti, uncooked

1(10-oz.)

frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained

1(10 1/2-oz.)

ingredients for Italian casserole

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Spoon into a lightly greased 13- x 9- x 2-inch baking dish; set aside.

Make pasta topping:

Combine spinach and next 6 ingredients.

Cook sausage:

Remove casing from sausage.

Italian casserole on plates with baking dish nearby

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Cook sausage and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until meat is browned, stirring to crumble.

Sprinkle sausage mixture over spinach mixture.

Layer casserole:

Spoon spinach mixture over spaghetti, followed by sausage.

spaghetti in a baking dish

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Make cheese mixture, chill:

Combine egg and ricotta cheese.

Spread over sausage mixture.

Cover and chill 8 hours.

spinach and cream of mushroom soup combined with spices

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Bake:

Remove casserole from refrigerator, and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.

Bake, covered, at 375F for 35 to 40 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Sprinkle top with tomato and parsley.

sausage removed from casing

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Ricotta cheese adds a creamy layer (akin to lasagna) that enhances the texture of the casserole.

Try topping with a layer of mozzarella for a browned, cheesy topping.

cooked italian sausage in a skillet

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

layering italian casserole

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

ricotta cheese and egg

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

ricotta cheese mixture spread over sausage and spinach and pasta

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

baked Italian Casserole

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle