Description
This Sausage Pasta with Spinach is a hearty, one-pot meal that’s packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes! Juicy sausage, tender pasta, and nutrient-rich spinach come together in a creamy, garlicky sauce for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild, hot, or chicken sausage, casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 3 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spatula, about 5–7 minutes. Remove excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Pasta
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until wilted. Stir in the cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 6: Season and Serve
- Season the pasta with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil, parsley, and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Swap the sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for dietary preferences.
- For added veggies, toss in mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Quick and Easy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 25g