Name: Sausage and Spinach Pasta Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
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

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

Scale

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

Instructions

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.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes