Sausage and Spinach Pasta Delight

Description

The “Sausage and Spinach Pasta Delight” is a creamy and luscious pasta dish brimming with the robust flavors of Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Perfect for those evenings when you crave a comforting yet easy-to-make dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients to deliver a satisfying and gourmet experience at home.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Italian Sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 12 ounces uncooked penne or 2 packages of precooked microwaveable pasta (8.5 oz each)
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for topping
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned and drained
• 4-5 cups baby spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage

On medium heat, brown the Italian sausage in a skillet for 3-4 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the finely chopped onion and continue to cook until the sausage is fully browned and the onions are soft.

Step 2: Add Spices

Reduce the heat to low and integrate the garlic, oregano, fennel seeds, black pepper, rosemary, thyme leaves, and crushed red pepper into the sausage. Cook for another minute. Remove from heat and keep the mixture warm.

Step 3: Cook Pasta

Follow the package instructions to cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain well. If using microwaveable pasta, set aside until the sauce is nearly ready.

Step 4: Create Cream Sauce

Return the skillet to the stove, add chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce is reduced by half, about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Lower the heat and add Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach to the sauce, stirring until the cheese has melted and the spinach is wilted. Add the sausage mixture and pasta, tossing to coat everything evenly. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Servings & Preparation/Cooking Time

• Servings: Serves 4-6 people
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Tips for Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container; they can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until the dish is hot throughout.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen in suitable containers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

The “Sausage and Spinach Pasta Delight” is not only a testament to the delectable combination of Italian sausage and creamy sauce but also to the ease with which a gourmet-like meal can be prepared. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you have guests over and need a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish. Intensely satisfying and visually appealing, this recipe delivers on all fronts, making it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.

Sausage and Spinach Pasta Delight

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4-6 people 1x

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Description

The “Sausage and Spinach Pasta Delight” is a creamy and luscious pasta dish brimming with the robust flavors of Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Perfect for those evenings when you crave a comforting yet easy-to-make dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients to deliver a satisfying and gourmet experience at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb. Italian Sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 12 ounces uncooked penne or 2 packages of precooked microwaveable pasta (8.5 oz each)
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for topping
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned and drained
• 4–5 cups baby spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Sausage On medium heat, brown the Italian sausage in a skillet for 3-4 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the finely chopped onion and continue to cook until the sausage is fully browned and the onions are soft.
2. Step 2: Add Spices Reduce the heat to low and integrate the garlic, oregano, fennel seeds, black pepper, rosemary, thyme leaves, and crushed red pepper into the sausage. Cook for another minute. Remove from heat and keep the mixture warm.
3. Step 3: Cook Pasta Follow the package instructions to cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain well. If using microwaveable pasta, set aside until the sauce is nearly ready.
4. Step 4: Create Cream Sauce Return the skillet to the stove, add chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce is reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Combine Ingredients Lower the heat and add Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach to the sauce, stirring until the cheese has melted and the spinach is wilted. Add the sausage mixture and pasta, tossing to coat everything evenly. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes