Description
A hearty and flavorful Italian Sausage Pasta made with savory Italian sausage, sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich marinara sauce, all tossed with your choice of pasta. This comforting dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk or casing removed)
Vegetables
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work well)
Oils & Garnishes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- 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 the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Combine Sauce and Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the mushrooms and spinach. Stir in the marinara sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta between plates and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your meal!
Notes
- You can use bulk Italian sausage or remove casing from links before cooking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level or omit for a milder flavor.
- Use your favorite type of pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti depending on what you have on hand.
- Fresh basil or parsley adds a nice fresh finish but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
