Weeknight Sausage Pasta with Spinach
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 pound uncooked hot or sweet Italian sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
optional
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
28-ounce
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
plus more for the pasta water
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound dried short pasta
such as penne
- 3 ounces baby spinach
about 3 packed cups
- Grated Parmesan cheese
for serving
Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, dice 1 small yellow onion. Mince 3 garlic cloves. Remove the casings from 1 pound uncooked Italian sausage if needed.
- 2
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large frying pan or high-sided sauté pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and sauté until softened and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if desired and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- 3
Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula into small pieces, until cooked through, about 6 minutes. Carefully pour in 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes. Add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- 4
Reduce the heat to low and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, while you cook the pasta. Add 1 pound dried short pasta to the boiling water and according to package directions until al dente. Drain and return to the now-empty pot off the heat.
- 5
Add the sauce to the pasta and toss gently to combine. Add 3 ounces baby spinach a handful or two at a time, stirring between each addition, until the spinach is wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve garnished generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
Weeknight Sausage Pasta with Spinach
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About this Recipe
Looking for a satisfying, flavorful meal that comes together quickly on even the busiest of evenings? This Weeknight Sausage Pasta with Spinach is your answer, delivering robust flavors with minimal effort, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Why This Recipe Works
The genius of this recipe lies in its straightforward approach and the harmonious blend of pantry staples. Hearty Italian sausage creates a rich, savory foundation, while crushed tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and acidity. The fresh baby spinach is stirred in at the end, providing a vibrant color and a welcome hint of freshness that cuts through the richness.
What to Expect
Prepare for a deeply comforting and savory pasta dish, where the robust flavor of Italian sausage melds beautifully with a tangy, chunky tomato sauce. You'll enjoy the perfect chew of short pasta, each piece coated in the flavorful sauce, punctuated by tender, wilted spinach. It's a substantial yet balanced meal that satisfies your craving for classic Italian-American comfort food, without feeling heavy.
Customization & Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences. You can easily adjust the heat by choosing either hot or sweet Italian sausage, or by varying the amount of red pepper flakes. While penne is an excellent choice, any sturdy short pasta, such as rigatoni or fusilli, will work beautifully to capture the rich sauce. For an extra pop of freshness, a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten all the flavors.
Serving & Context
Serve this hearty Weeknight Sausage Pasta generously topped with plenty of grated Parmesan cheese. It's an ideal main course for a casual weeknight family dinner, offering a satisfying and flavorful experience that will quickly become a household favorite.