If you are craving a hearty and flavorful meal that brings comfort and vibrant colors to your plate, look no further than this Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of savory Italian sausage, zesty tomato goodness, and fresh spinach all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta to create a satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug. This dish strikes the ideal balance with its rich sauce, tender greens, and cheesy finish, making it an instant favorite for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients, each selected to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the spicy-sweet sausage to the bright, leafy spinach, every component plays a key role in making this dish memorable.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni): These shapes hold the sauce beautifully for that satisfying bite every time.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a smooth base for cooking the sausage and garlic without overpowering flavors.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed): Adds rich, savory, and slightly spicy notes that define the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a fragrant punch and depth that elevates the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Introduces a little heat to balance the tomato’s sweetness.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice): Delivers fresh acidity and vibrant color that makes the sauce shine.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce: Adds richness and smoothness to thicken the overall texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses an earthy and aromatic herbaceous note.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential to enhance and balance all flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild spice and complements the sausage seasoning.
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach: Provides a fresh, tender, and slightly earthy component that brightens the dish.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a savory, nutty finish that ties everything together.
- Chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish): Adds a refreshing herbal note and a pop of green color.
How to Make Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures the pasta has just the right bite to hold up against the hearty sausage and sauce without becoming mushy. Once drained, set it aside to be added back in later.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown nicely for about 6 to 8 minutes until it’s fully cooked through and developing those irresistible caramelized edges — this is where much of the flavor power lies.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Next, stir in the minced garlic along with the optional red pepper flakes. Let them cook for about a minute until fragrant, releasing those lovely aromas that hint at the delicious meal coming together.
Step 4: Build the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes and their juice, along with the tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to season. Stir everything well and let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet and let it cook just until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. This step adds freshness, vibrant green color, and a slight earthiness to the sauce that balances the richness of the sausage beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce and spinach, making sure every piece is coated in that savory tomato goodness. Remove the pan from heat, sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese, and gently mix it in for a creamy, salty finish.
How to Serve Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra brightness and a touch of elegance, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the pasta just before serving. The fresh herb adds a subtle sweet and peppery note that complements the Italian sausage and tomato base perfectly.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some warm, crusty garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers also make excellent accompaniments, providing textural contrast and more garden-fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of fun, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish each portion with a shave of Parmesan and a fresh basil leaf. You can also add a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch. This makes the dish feel a little special for weekend dinners or casual dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from this Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the spinach might darken slightly, which is perfectly normal.
Freezing
This pasta freezes well, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the spinach may soften further after freezing, but the overall flavor remains tasty.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water, broth, or additional tomato sauce if needed, to loosen the pasta and prevent it from drying out. A quick sprinkle of fresh cheese after reheating adds a fresh touch.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Using turkey or chicken sausage is a great way to lighten up this Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe without sacrificing the savory flavors. Just be sure to adjust seasoning as many poultry sausages are milder than pork varieties.
Is this pasta recipe gluten free?
You can make this recipe gluten free by swapping out the regular pasta for a gluten-free alternative. Just cook the pasta according to its package instructions for the best results.
Can I add cream to make the sauce richer?
Yes! For a creamy twist, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a soft cheese like cream cheese near the end of cooking. This will give the sauce a luscious texture and a mellow flavor that pairs beautifully with the sausage and spinach.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level depends on how much red pepper flakes you add. Using the optional 1/2 teaspoon adds a gentle kick, but you can adjust or omit it according to your spice preference.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the sauce and pasta separately a day ahead and combine them right before serving. Just keep the pasta and sauce refrigerated in separate containers to maintain perfect texture and freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe is everything you want in a comforting, delicious meal—full of flavor, simple to prepare, and packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorites to whip up any night of the week!
Print
Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta is a delicious and hearty Italian-American main course that combines savory Italian sausage with fresh spinach and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this one-pan stovetop recipe is flavorful, nutritious, and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Sausage. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer. Stir in the diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to blend flavors.
- Wilt Spinach. Add the fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
- Toss Pasta. Stir in the cooked pasta and toss everything to combine evenly.
- Finish and Serve. Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- For a creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.
- This dish works well with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
