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
Scale
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.
