There’s something magical about a hearty pasta dish that brings comfort to every bite. Creamy Sausage and Spinach Pasta is just that kind of meal. It’s rich, savory, and comes together in less time than you might think. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress without the stress. Picture tender pasta enveloped in a luscious cream sauce, spiced with juicy bites of sausage and balanced by the earthy goodness of spinach. Hungry yet? Keep reading to bring this delightful dish to your table!
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to whip up this cozy bowl of creamy deliciousness. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite short pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (hot, mild, or sweet depending on your preference)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnishing
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Quick note:
Feel free to swap or add ingredients! For example, swap Italian sausage for turkey sausage, or add mushrooms for extra veggies.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps, and in just 30 minutes, you’ll be digging into this irresistible bowl of pasta:
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.Brown the sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set it aside.Sauté garlic and add spice
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.Make the creamy sauce
Reduce heat to low, then slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.Add the spinach and sausage
Toss in the chopped spinach, letting it wilt in the hot sauce. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, stirring everything together. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Combine with pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until fully coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.Serve and garnish
Dish out the creamy sausage and spinach pasta into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color!
Tips for Customization
- Add veggies: Boost the nutrition by including mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
- Make it spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and more red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
- Go light: Swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like unsweetened almond milk (though this will slightly change the creaminess).
- Switch up the greens: Instead of spinach, kale or arugula would work wonderfully in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta pairs beautifully with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal. Don’t forget a glass of your favorite white wine, like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the richness of the dish.
The Perfect Comfort Meal
Creamy Sausage and Spinach Pasta is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again. It’s indulgent yet approachable, bold yet comforting. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxing Sunday dinner, this dish delivers every single time. Now, it’s your turn to grab your skillet and bring this creamy, savory dream to life. Enjoy!
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