Italian Sausage Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Combination: The savory sausage pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables and tangy tomato sauce.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to both adults and kids alike.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with your favorite vegetables or types of sausage.

Ingredients

• 12 oz bow-tie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 oz crimini mushrooms, sliced
• 15 oz Italian sausage, crumbled
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• 13 oz tomato sauce (such as marinara)
• 6 oz fresh spinach
• Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the bow-tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Mushrooms: In a large, high-sided skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-5 minutes until they’re tender. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the Sausage: In the same skillet, add the crumbled Italian sausage. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

4. Add Aromatics and Seasoning: To the cooked sausage, add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

5. Incorporate Sauce and Spinach: Pour in the tomato sauce and add the fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and the mixture is well combined.

6. Combine with Pasta: Return the sautéed mushrooms to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Season with salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste.

7. Serve: Divide the pasta among plates and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Additions: Enhance the dish by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
• Cheese Lovers: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for a creamier texture.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using hot Italian sausage or adding extra red pepper flakes.
• Pasta Alternatives: Feel free to substitute bow-tie pasta with penne, rigatoni, or your preferred pasta shape.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This pasta can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating:
  • Microwave: Transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe dish and heat for about 1 minute. Stir and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
  • Stovetop: Place the pasta in a skillet over low-medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly. If the pasta appears dry, add a splash of water or tomato sauce to restore moisture.

FAQs

What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Crumbled Italian sausage is ideal, but you can also use sausage links with the casings removed and sliced. Choose between spicy, mild, or sweet varieties based on your preference.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach can be used. Ensure it’s thawed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. You can add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to maintain a hearty texture.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the tomato sauce, are also gluten-free.

What other types of pasta can I use?

This recipe is versatile and works well with various pasta shapes, including penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or orecchiette.

Can I add cheese to this dish?

Certainly! While the recipe doesn’t include cheese, topping the pasta with freshly grated Parmesan or incorporating shredded mozzarella can add a delightful richness.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

To maintain an al dente texture, cook the pasta according to the package instructions and avoid overcooking. Immediately drain and toss it with the sauce to prevent it from sitting in

Italian Sausage Pasta

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• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This Italian Sausage Pasta is a quick and delicious 30-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, mushrooms, and a rich tomato sauce, this dish pairs beautifully with bow-tie pasta. A comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love!

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Ingredients

• 12 oz bow-tie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 oz crimini mushrooms, sliced
• 15 oz Italian sausage, crumbled
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• 13 oz tomato sauce (such as marinara)
• 6 oz fresh spinach
• Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

• Cook the Pasta:

  • Boil water and cook bow-tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

• Sauté the Mushrooms:

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add mushrooms and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender. Remove from skillet and set aside.

• Cook the Sausage:

  • In the same skillet, add crumbled Italian sausage.
  • Cook for about 5 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

• Add Garlic and Seasoning:

  • Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
  • Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

• Incorporate Sauce and Spinach:

  • Pour in the tomato sauce and add fresh spinach.
  • Stir until spinach wilts and everything is well combined.

• Combine with Pasta:

  • Return sautéed mushrooms to the skillet and add the cooked pasta.
  • Toss everything together until well coated.
  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

• Serve:

  • Divide among plates and serve warm.
  • Optional: Garnish with Parmesan cheese and extra red pepper flakes.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or extra veggies like bell peppers and zucchini.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded mozzarella or Parmesan for a richer texture.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian