The Coziest Italian Sausage Pasta with Baby Spinach Recipe

Craving a soul-warming italian sausage pasta that promises pure comfort?

Rustic ingredients dance together in this simple yet elegant dish.

Robust flavors blend seamlessly, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Spicy sausage mingles with tender baby spinach, painting a vibrant culinary canvas.

Tomato sauce adds depth and richness, making each bite a delightful experience.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this delectable creation.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Hearty Pasta

• Boost Flavor Fast: Packed with bold Italian sausage and zesty chili flakes, this dish delivers incredible taste in a single pan, making meal preparation super exciting.
• Perfect Weeknight Rescue: Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps mean you can create a restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques or long preparation times.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort: Baby spinach adds a healthy green element while the rich tomato sauce provides a satisfying and nutritious dinner that feels indulgent yet balanced.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners, casual gatherings, or quick solo meals, this pasta adapts easily to different dining scenarios and pleases most taste preferences.

What You’ll Need for Sausage Spinach Tomato Pasta

• Pasta: A staple ingredient that provides the base for this hearty Italian dish.
• Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• Baby Spinach: A nutritious green that brings freshness and color to the pasta.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Chili Flakes: Create a spicy and tangy base for the sauce.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a robust flavor foundation.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking medium and adds subtle flavor.
• Basil, Parmesan Cheese: Fresh herbs and cheese that add a final layer of flavor and authenticity to the pasta.
• Pasta Water: A secret ingredient that helps bind the sauce and pasta together.

Making Sausage Pasta with Spinach Step by Step

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil and cook pasta until it’s just shy of fully cooked (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions).

Carefully scoop out a cup of pasta water before draining. The starchy water will be your secret weapon later.

Step 2: Transform Sausages into Flavor Bombs

Grab your sausages and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Don’t stress about perfect cuts – rustic is delicious!

Aim for roughly thumb-width chunks that will crisp up beautifully in the pan.

Step 3: Create a Sizzling Sausage Base

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over high heat.

Toss in sausage pieces and let them dance and brown until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. The sizzling sound means magic is happening!

Step 4: Build Aromatic Flavor Layers

• Finely chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté for a couple minutes until onions become translucent and sausage looks irresistibly golden.

Step 5: Simmer Sauce to Perfection

• Crushed tomatoes
• Chili flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Reduce heat to medium and let the sauce bubble gently.

Stir occasionally and allow it to thicken for about 8 minutes.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Toss in baby spinach, cooked pasta, and splash in some reserved pasta water.

Mix quickly over medium heat for about a minute, letting the ingredients get cozy and combine their flavors.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Remove from heat.

Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and a generous shower of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while it’s steaming hot and bursting with flavor!

Tips to Nail Italian Sausage Pasta Every Time

• Use slightly undercooked pasta to ensure it doesn't become mushy when mixed with the sauce, maintaining perfect al dente texture.
• Choose high-quality Italian sausage for deeper, richer flavor that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
• Add pasta water gradually to create a silky, glossy sauce that helps ingredients cling together beautifully.
• Swap spicy sausage for mild versions if you prefer less heat, or use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian alternative.
• Let the sauce simmer longer for more intense tomato flavor, which develops deeper complexity in the overall dish.

Creative Takes on Classic Sausage Spinach Pasta

• Spicy Chorizo Kick: Replace Italian sausage with spicy chorizo, adding extra chili flakes for a bolder, more intense flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Seafood Fusion: Swap sausage with shrimp or mixed seafood, incorporate white wine instead of tomato sauce, and add fresh parsley for a lighter coastal feel.
• Vegetarian Green Protein: Substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted chickpeas, increase spinach quantity, and use vegetable broth for added depth.
• Creamy Mushroom Alternative: Replace sausage with mixed wild mushrooms, add heavy cream to sauce, and sprinkle fresh thyme for an earthy, rich version of the original recipe.

Pairings to Serve with Italian Sausage Spinach Pasta

• Vibrant Wine Selection: Pair this hearty pasta with a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese, whose robust flavor matches the rich sausage and tomato sauce perfectly.
• Cheese Companion Boost: Sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano on top to enhance the dish's savory depth and provide a salty, tangy counterpoint.
• Crusty Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, rustic Italian bread or garlic crostini to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and add a delightful textural contrast to the pasta.
• Fresh Herb Accent: Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or a small side salad with arugula to brighten the dish and provide a light, peppery freshness against the rich sauce.

How to Keep Sausage Spinach Pasta Fresh for Later

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent freezer burn.
• Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water to prevent dryness. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to restore moisture.

Pasta FAQs for the Italian Sausage Spinach Recipe

• How do I know if my sausage is cooked properly?

Cook sausage pieces until they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The outside should have a nice sear and the meat should no longer look pink.

• Can I substitute the baby spinach with another green?

Yes, kale or Swiss chard work great as alternatives. They have similar texture and nutritional value, and will blend well with the tomato sauce.

• Why should I reserve pasta water?

Pasta water contains starch that helps thicken and bind the sauce to the pasta. It creates a silky, cohesive texture and helps the sauce cling better to the noodles.

• Is this dish spicy?

The chili flakes provide a mild heat.

Hearty Italian Sausage Pasta with Baby Spinach in a Rich Tomato Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian Sausage Pasta brings robust Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with rich tomato sauce and tender baby spinach. Comforting pasta strands intertwine with spicy sausage, creating a satisfying meal that connects home cooks with classic Italian countryside cooking.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 500 grams (1 pound) good-quality Italian sausages
• 250 grams (0.5 pound) spiral pasta
• 800 grams (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes or tomato passata

Aromatic and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Garnish and Optional Ingredients:

• 1–2 big handfuls of baby spinach
• Fresh basil leaves, finely sliced
• Freshly grated Parmesan

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted large pot of water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta slightly underdone, approximately 1-2 minutes less than package recommendations for an authentic al dente consistency. Carefully preserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before straining.
2. Slice Italian sausages into roughly 1.5 cm irregular medallions. Uneven cuts are acceptable and will transform during cooking process.
3. Ignite a large skillet over high temperature, drizzle with olive oil. Introduce sausage pieces, searing until exterior develops a rich golden-brown caramelization.
4. Incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic into the skillet. Continue cooking for approximately 2 minutes until onions become translucent and sausage achieves deep golden coloration.
5. Cascade crushed tomatoes into the skillet, complemented by chili flakes, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Thoroughly integrate ingredients and reduce heat to medium. Allow sauce to simmer and concentrate flavors for 8 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent scorching.
6. Gently fold baby spinach, cooked pasta, and ½ cup reserved pasta water into the sauce. Rapidly toss ingredients together over medium heat for roughly 1 minute, ensuring complete integration.
7. Extinguish heat. Embellish with fresh basil leaves and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Choose lean or plant-based sausage for a healthier twist on this classic comfort dish.
• Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat varieties to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili flakes or using mild sausage for sensitive palates.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg