Italian Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound italian sausage
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- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 clove garlic minced
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- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
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- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
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- 1/4 teaspoon crushed rosemary
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- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
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- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
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- 12 ounce uncooked rigatoni
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- 3/4 cup chicken broth
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- 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
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- 2/3 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
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- 2/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
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- 4 cup baby spinach
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- salt to taste
Directions
- 1
Start browning the Italian Sausage. After 3-4 minutes add the onion and continue cooking until the sausage is browned and the onions are soft. Reduce the heat to low. Add the garlic, marjoram, black pepper, rosemary, thyme leaves, and crushed red pepper cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Plate the sausage mixture and cover with foil.
- 2
Meanwhile cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain well.
- 3
Add the chicken broth to the skillet working to deglaze the bottom and collect all the brown bits. Add the heavy cream to the skillet. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Let it reduce by about half.
- 4
Turn the heat to low and stir in the parmesan cheese, sundried tomatoes and spinach. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the spinach is wilted. Add the sausage mixture and pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking over low heat until the pasta dish is heated through.
- 5
NOTES
Several shapes of medium pasta will work with this dish including penne, ziti, rotini, elbow, medium shells, and cavatappi.
Use a spoon to break up the Italian sausage so you have some small pieces and a few larger pieces. Variety is good.
The cream and chicken broth mixture can take up to 20 minutes to reduce so plan accordingly. Reduce by about 50%.
Drain the oil from the sundried tomatoes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Because of the amount of cream I do not recommend freezing this dish. It would not harm you. It just would not be as appetizing or aesthetically appealing.
Italian Sausage Pasta
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About this Recipe
Craving a deeply satisfying pasta dish that comes together easily? This Italian Sausage Pasta delivers comfort and flavor in every forkful, making it a favorite for any occasion. It’s a guaranteed hit with friends and family, promising a delightful meal every time you serve it. The combination of savory sausage, robust sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach creates a truly memorable experience.
The beauty of this Italian Sausage Pasta lies in its rich blend of flavors and comforting textures. Robust Italian sausage provides a savory foundation, perfectly balanced by the sweet-tart tang of sun-dried tomatoes and the gentle earthiness of baby spinach. All these wonderful elements are enveloped in a luscious, aromatic garlic Parmesan cream sauce, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and wonderfully balanced.
Prepare for a wonderfully satisfying plate that captivates your senses. You'll enjoy the savory depth of Italian sausage complemented by the bright, concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. The fresh spinach adds a welcome touch of color and a slight bitterness that cuts through the richness. Rigatoni, with its hearty shape, is an excellent choice for capturing every bit of the velvety, garlicky, and cheesy sauce, ensuring a deeply satisfying bite with each forkful.
Customization & Variations
While this recipe shines as written, it's also wonderfully adaptable. You could experiment with hot Italian sausage for an extra spicy kick, or for a leaner option, try ground chicken seasoned with Italian herbs. If you don't have rigatoni, other sturdy pasta shapes like penne or ziti would work well. Feel free to increase the amount of baby spinach for more greens, or add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley at the end for an extra layer of freshness.
This Italian Sausage Pasta is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or for sharing generously when entertaining loved ones. Serve it alongside a simple crisp green salad and some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible, creamy sauce.