Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves quick, hearty, and flavorful meals. The combination of crumbled Italian sausage, spinach, mushrooms, and pasta creates a deliciously balanced dish that's both satisfying and full of rich flavors. It’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring just one skillet and a few simple ingredients. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate different sausages and pasta shapes, allowing you to customize it to your liking.
Ingredients
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15 oz crumbled Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
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8 oz farfalle (bow-tie pasta)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 cup crimini mushrooms, sliced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 ½ cups tomato marinara pasta sauce
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4 cups fresh spinach (or use thawed frozen spinach)
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Salt and pepper, to taste (Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove mushrooms and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the crumbled sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
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Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes.
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Add the marinara sauce and spinach to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the spinach is wilted.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Top with the cooked mushrooms.
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Serve hot with optional Parmesan cheese and extra red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Sausage: Use sweet, spicy, or mild Italian sausage, or substitute with chicken sausage for a lighter version.
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Pasta: Try different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni.
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Greens: Replace spinach with kale for a heartier option or use frozen spinach.
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Tomato Sauce: Experiment with different types of marinara sauce, such as garlic or basil-infused.
Storage/Reheating
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
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Reheat: Microwave for 1 minute, or reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as chicken sausage or turkey sausage.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you like. Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will work.
3. Is it necessary to use fresh spinach?
No, you can use frozen spinach if you prefer. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before using.
4. Can I add cheese to this pasta?
Yes, adding Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of mozzarella on top can enhance the flavor of the dish.
5. How do I make this dish spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage to give the dish an extra kick.
6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it for a vegetable pasta dish.
7. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
8. Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Yes, you can use white button mushrooms, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms.
9. Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
Yes, feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions for added flavor.
10. Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and sausage mixture ahead of time, then cook the pasta and combine them when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Italian sausage pasta is the perfect quick and flavorful dish to add to your weeknight dinner rotation. With its savory sausage, fresh spinach, and hearty pasta, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Plus, it's easy to make, adaptable to your preferences, and always a hit with the whole family.
Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
This Italian Sausage Pasta is a quick and satisfying dish featuring savory sausage, hearty vegetables, and a rich tomato marinara sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and delivers delicious, comforting flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
15 oz crumbled Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
8 oz farfalle (bow-tie pasta)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup crimini mushrooms, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 ½ cups tomato marinara pasta sauce
4 cups fresh spinach (or use thawed frozen spinach)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove mushrooms and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the crumbled sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
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Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes.
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Add the marinara sauce and spinach to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the spinach is wilted.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Top with the cooked mushrooms.
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Serve hot with optional Parmesan cheese and extra red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Notes
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Pasta: Feel free to substitute with any pasta shape like penne or rigatoni.
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Spinach: Fresh spinach is best, but frozen spinach can be used as well (just thaw and drain it before adding).
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Cheese: Enhance the flavor with freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella.
