Craving a comforting Italian dish that’s both delicious and easy to prepare? Look no further than this mouthwatering Italian Sausage and Spinach Pasta! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a flavorful meal that combines savory sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich marinara sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. Get ready to delight your taste buds and discover why this dish is a must-try for any pasta lover!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove Italian sausage from casings if necessary and add to the skillet.
- Break sausage into small crumbles using a wooden spoon, cooking until browned and no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the sausage and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in marinara sauce, allowing it to simmer and combine with the sausage for 2-3 minutes.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until just wilted, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Drain cooked pasta and add directly to the skillet with sausage and spinach mixture.
- Toss pasta with sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to help sauce coat pasta evenly.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and gently mix to incorporate.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, giving a final gentle stir.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as penne or rigatoni, for the best flavor experience.
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can help create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to add other leafy greens like kale or arugula for a twist on the classic recipe, or mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.
- Perfectly Brown the Sausage: Make sure to break the sausage into small crumbles and cook it until it’s nicely browned. This adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Garnish for Presentation: Finish your dish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a dash of freshly cracked black pepper for an appealing presentation.
- Make it Ahead: This dish reheats beautifully, so consider making a double batch for easy meals throughout the week!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
