Italian Sausage Pasta: A 30-Minute Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta recipe combines the rich, savory taste of crumbled Italian sausage with fresh vegetables like spinach and mushrooms, all tossed in a flavorful tomato sauce. The addition of farfalle pasta gives the dish a fun, textured bite that complements the sauce perfectly. The best part? It’s quick and simple, making it an ideal meal for hectic evenings. With every bite, you’ll get a comforting, restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb crumbled Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

• 8 oz farfalle pasta (bow tie pasta)

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• 1 cup crimini mushrooms, sliced

• 2 tablespoon olive oil (divided)

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 jar (24 oz) tomato marinara sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the sliced mushrooms until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and cook the crumbled sausage for 5 minutes or until browned. Drain any excess fat.

4. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Pour in the tomato sauce and add the spinach. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Stir in the cooked pasta and mix well. Top with the cooked mushrooms and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta.

• Add more veggies: You can add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the dish.

• Spice it up: If you like more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

• Cheese: For extra flavor, sprinkle some shredded Parmesan on top before serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

• Reheat: Microwave for 1 minute, or heat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as sweet or spicy Italian sausage. Just crumble it before cooking.

2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thawed and drained frozen spinach works well in this recipe.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage sauce and pasta in advance and reheat when you're ready to serve.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free, but you can easily make it so by using gluten-free pasta.

5. Can I substitute the farfalle pasta with another shape?

Yes, feel free to use any short pasta shape you like, such as penne or rigatoni.

6. How can I make this dish more creamy?

You can add a bit of cream or cream cheese to the tomato sauce to make the dish creamier.

7. Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes, Parmesan or mozzarella cheese makes a great topping for this dish.

8. Can I use store-bought tomato sauce?

Yes, any marinara or pasta sauce will work well in this recipe.

9. Can I make this recipe with sausage links instead of crumbled sausage?

Yes, simply remove the casings and crumble the sausage before cooking.

10. How do I know when the pasta is done?

Follow the instructions on the pasta package for the perfect al dente texture. Typically, it takes about 9-11 minutes.

Conclusion

This Italian Sausage Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any weeknight. With simple ingredients and a short cooking time, it’s an easy way to bring restaurant-quality pasta to your kitchen. Whether you're feeding your family or having friends over, this dish is sure to impress!