Sausage & Spinach Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines savory sausage, fresh spinach, and pasta in a delicious sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and is sure to please the whole family!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making the Sausage & Spinach Pasta takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

1. Add Olive Oil: In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed.
2. Cook Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, add it and cook until heated through.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. Add Cream and Seasoning: Pour in the heavy cream, and add the cooked sausage, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
2. Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

1. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Sausage & Spinach Pasta (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	550
Protein	25g
Fat	30g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	3g

Tips for Customization

• Add More Vegetables: Include bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
• Use Different Pastas: Substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
• Make It Spicy: Use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Conclusion

Sausage & Spinach Pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the rich flavors of sausage and spinach with creamy pasta. Quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this delightful recipe!