Description
This Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and hearty meal combining Italian sausage with fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes, all tossed with pasta in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features a delightful balance of spice and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage meat (mild or spicy)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
- 7 oz (200g) cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 handful fresh spinach
Pantry Staples and Spices
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 servings pasta (we used farfalle)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente, following the package directions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté the Sausage and Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and sauté until it is almost cooked through. Then add the chopped garlic and continue cooking until fragrant and the sausage is no longer pink.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the roughly chopped cherry tomatoes, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Allow the mixture to cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften and blend well with the sausage.
- Incorporate Tomato Puree and Spinach: Mix in the tomato puree and add the fresh spinach. Stir continuously until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Season: Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the sausage and tomato sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. Season with ground black pepper and sprinkle chili flakes on top to taste before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute farfalle with any short pasta like penne or rigatoni.
- Adjust cayenne pepper and chili flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
- For a creamier twist, stir in a splash of heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese at the end.
- Use fresh sausage meat for best flavor or pre-cooked sausage cut into slices if short on time.
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to avoid a mushy texture when combined with sauce.
