Introduction
Welcome to this delicious recipe for Creamy Tomato Pasta with Sausage and Spinach. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of creamy tomato sauce, savory sausage, and nutritious spinach creates a balanced and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re a pasta aficionado or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For this Creamy Tomato Pasta with Sausage and Spinach recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– 8 ounces of pasta (your choice of shape) – 1 tablespoon olive oil – 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed – 1 small onion, diced – 3 cloves of garlic, minced – 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes – 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce – 1 teaspoon dried basil – 1 teaspoon dried oregano – 1/2 teaspoon salt – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – 1 cup heavy cream – 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped – Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Steps
Follow these simple steps to prepare the Creamy Tomato Pasta with Sausage and Spinach:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
3. Finish the Dish
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked sausage back to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts into the sauce.
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy tomato sauce.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Divide the Creamy Tomato Pasta with Sausage and Spinach among plates or bowls. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations
This recipe can be easily customized to suit your personal preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
Vegetarian Option
If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives.
Spicy Kick
If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce while it simmers. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
Cheesy Delight
For a cheesier dish, stir in some shredded mozzarella or grated cheddar cheese into the sauce before adding the pasta. Let it melt and combine with the sauce for an extra indulgent flavor.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of this Creamy Tomato Pasta with Sausage and Spinach recipe:
– Use your favorite type of pasta for this dish. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well, but feel free to experiment with different shapes. – To save time, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the pasta. – If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce will be slightly less creamy but still delicious. – Serve this pasta dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Creamy Tomato Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is a versatile and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of creamy tomato sauce with the heartiness of sausage and the freshness of spinach. It’s a winning combination that will satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this dish is sure to please. Try out different variations, experiment with additional ingredients, and make it your own. Enjoy this delicious pasta creation and happy cooking!
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the sauce.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Italian sausage with ground beef, chicken, or turkey. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free. Make sure to check the labels of the other ingredients for any potential gluten content.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Creamy Tomato Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
A delicious and hearty pasta dish featuring creamy tomato sauce, savory Italian sausage, and nutritious spinach. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and set aside.
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In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
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Reduce heat, add the cooked sausage back, stir in heavy cream, and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
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Add chopped spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted. Add cooked pasta and toss together until well coated with the sauce.
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Divide among plates, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve.
