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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Slice Italian sausages into roughly 1.5 cm irregular medallions. Uneven cuts are acceptable and will transform during cooking process.
- Ignite a large skillet over high temperature, drizzle with olive oil. Introduce sausage pieces, searing until exterior develops a rich golden-brown caramelization.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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