Imagine a dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of Italian sausage with the delicate freshness of spinach, all nestled perfectly in a creamy, cheesy pasta that screams comfort food. This Sausage Meat and Spinach Pasta is not just a meal – it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a food enthusiast wanting to impress, this recipe is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 1 lb of Italian sausage, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt and the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble the sausage into the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Next, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir the spinach into the sausage mixture and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, letting the cream thicken slightly.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sausage and spinach mixture.
- Mix the pasta into the sauce, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Serve the sausage meat and spinach pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Select fresh Italian sausage and high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente texture by following package instructions and testing a piece before draining.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and can help adjust the consistency if needed.
- Control the Heat: When adding garlic, use medium-low heat to prevent burning and maintain its sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Wilt Spinach Gently: Cook spinach just until it's wilted to preserve its bright color and nutritional value.
- Cheese Tip: Grate the Parmesan fresh if possible – it melts more smoothly and has a more intense flavor.
- Season Carefully: Taste before adding salt, as the sausage and Parmesan are already quite salty.
- Let the Sauce Rest: Allow the sauce to simmer briefly to develop deeper flavors and achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 130mg
