Craving a quick, mouthwatering meal that'll have your family begging for seconds? Look no further than this Weeknight Spinach Sausage Pasta – the ultimate culinary lifesaver that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner in just 30 minutes! Imagine perfectly al dente pasta, juicy Italian sausage, and vibrant spinach coming together in a dish so delicious, it'll make weeknight cooking feel like a gourmet experience.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- 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 cherry tomatoes, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- While the sausage is cooking, mince the garlic cloves and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Once the sausage is browned, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Next, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sausage and vegetables. Toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water to help combine the ingredients and create a light sauce.
- Season the pasta mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Weeknight Spinach Sausage Pasta!
Tips
- Choose high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor – the type of sausage can make or break this dish.
- Don't overcook the spinach; it should just wilt slightly to maintain its bright green color and nutritional value.
- Reserved pasta water is your secret weapon! The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage.
- Use fresh garlic if possible – it makes a significant difference in the overall taste compared to pre-minced garlic.
- If you want to make this dish even more nutritious, try whole wheat pasta or add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for the best melting and flavor distribution.
- Let the pasta rest for a minute after mixing to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
