Italian Sausage Pasta is a delightful 30-minute meal that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with fresh spinach, earthy mushrooms, and a savory tomato sauce. Tossed with bow-tie pasta, this dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it a perfect choice for a quick yet satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and tomato sauce creates a rich and savory taste.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with your favorite vegetables or types of sausage.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow-tie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz crimini mushrooms, sliced
- 15 oz mild Italian sausage, crumbled
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- 13 oz tomato pasta sauce or marinara
- 6 oz fresh spinach
- Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the bow-tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In a large, high-sided skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-5 minutes until they are tender. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In the same skillet, add the crumbled Italian sausage. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Aromatics and Seasoning: To the cooked sausage, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine with Sauce and Spinach: Add the tomato pasta sauce and fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach has wilted.
- Mix in Pasta and Mushrooms: Return the cooked mushrooms to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and coarsely ground black pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with additional red pepper flakes if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Enhance the dish by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Sauté them along with the mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese over the pasta before serving for a cheesy finish.
- Spice Level: For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or increase the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, for a milder dish, opt for sweet Italian sausage and omit the red pepper flakes.
- Pasta Alternatives: Feel free to substitute bow-tie pasta with penne, rigatoni, or your preferred pasta shape.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: Place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for about 1 minute. Stir and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Transfer the pasta to a skillet and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated thoroughly.
FAQs
What type of sausage works best for this recipe?
Crumbled Italian sausage is ideal. You can choose mild, sweet, or spicy varieties based on your preference. If using sausage links, remove the casings before cooking.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used. Ensure it’s thawed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. You can add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to maintain a hearty texture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the tomato sauce and sausage, are gluten-free as well.
What other types of pasta can I use?
This recipe is versatile and works well with various pasta shapes, including penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or orecchiette. Choose your favorite or what’s available in your pantry.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. Reheat using the methods mentioned above
Print
Italian Sausage Pasta
Description
This Italian Sausage Pasta is a quick and flavorful 30-minute meal, featuring savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and mushrooms in a rich tomato sauce. Tossed with bow-tie pasta, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow-tie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz crimini mushrooms, sliced
- 15 oz mild Italian sausage, crumbled
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- 13 oz tomato pasta sauce or marinara
- 6 oz fresh spinach
- Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 3-5 minutes until tender.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken :
- In the same skillet, cook crumbled Italian sausage over medium heat until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Drain excess fat.
- Add Aromatics & Seasoning:
- Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Sauce & Spinach:
- Add tomato pasta sauce and fresh spinach.
- Stir and bring to a gentle boil, cooking for 5 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Mix Everything Together:
- Return mushrooms to the skillet.
- Add drained pasta and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Cheesy Addition: Top with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for more texture.
- Spicy or Mild: Use hot Italian sausage for heat or sweet Italian sausage for a milder taste.
- Pasta Options: Swap bow-tie pasta with penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
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