If you’re craving a quick, hearty dinner that bursts with color and flavor, the Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe will soon become your new go-to. This comforting dish twirls perfectly cooked pasta with savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a creamy, tomato-rich sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes! Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or impressing a friend for dinner, every bite is a celebration of bold flavors and cozy, homemade goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe calls for a handful of simple, pantry staples and a few fresh touches, but each ingredient plays a starring role. Together, they create a symphony of flavor, texture, and stunning color that will have everyone asking for seconds!
- Pasta (12 oz, penne or rotini): Choose short, sturdy shapes to trap all that luscious sauce in every forkful.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds silkiness to sautéed sausage and aromatics, and boosts those Mediterranean flavors.
- Italian Sausage (1 lb, casings removed): The heart of the dish—use mild or spicy to fit your mood, and feel free to try chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter twist.
- Garlic Cloves (3, minced): Brings a warm, irresistible depth that no pasta dish can do without.
- Yellow Onion (1 small, chopped): Adds gentle sweetness and rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz with juice): Gives body to the sauce while lending tartness and rich tomato flavor.
- Tomato Paste (¼ cup): Concentrates the tomatoey tang and helps the sauce cling to your pasta.
- Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): A dash of heat for those who like a little kick, totally customizable.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): The classic basil, oregano, and thyme blend infuses your sauce with timeless Italian flavor.
- Fresh Baby Spinach (3 cups): Adds a pop of emerald green, extra nutrition, and earthy freshness.
- Heavy Cream (½ cup): Swirls of cream add body and that dreamy, decadent finish.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Melts into the sauce, giving it a salty, nutty lift.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for perfect seasoning—taste and tweak until it sings!
- Chopped Parsley (for garnish, optional): Sprinkles of bright green make your plate look as inviting as it tastes.
How to Make Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta (penne or rotini both work beautifully) and cook just until al dente, following package directions. Right before draining, dip a measuring cup into the pot to reserve about half a cup of starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside; this step sets you up for perfect saucy pasta later.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While your pasta is cooking, set a large skillet over medium heat and swirl in the olive oil. Crumble in the Italian sausage (don’t forget to remove the casings) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s deeply browned and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. Browning the sausage gives you those irresistible golden bits and heaps of savory flavor.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add the minced garlic and chopped onion straight into the skillet with the sausage. Stir and sauté until the onion is soft and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step builds the flavor base for your tomato spinach sausage pasta recipe, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes with all their juice, then stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and—if you’re feeling bold—a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce gently thicken. This is where all the magic happens!
Step 5: Add Spinach and Cream
Next, toss in your fresh baby spinach and stir until the leaves are wilted and beautifully green. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, letting everything blend into a luscious, rosy-pink sauce.
Step 6: Toss It All Together
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well-coated. If the sauce seems a little thick, add a splash (or two) of reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finish with a scattering of chopped parsley for an extra pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten each plate with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley and an extra shower of grated Parmesan. A drizzle of good olive oil or a few grinds of black pepper right before serving can really make the Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe shine at the table.
Side Dishes
This pasta goes perfectly with a simple green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or a basket of crusty Italian bread for mopping up that irresistible sauce. Roasted vegetables or buttery garlic bread are also lovely companions for a cozy Italian-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe family-style on a big platter for a homey, rustic feel, or plate individually in shallow bowls and garnish with extra cheese and herbs. For a whimsical dinner party, you can even twirl small portions into ramekins or cups for a playful, appetizer-style presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe are a dream for busy weekdays! Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s lunch tastes even better than tonight’s dinner.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a future meal, let the pasta cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind the texture of the pasta may soften a little after thawing, but the flavor will still be spot-on.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce and stop it from drying out. Microwaving works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring halfway through until warmed through and creamy.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with chicken or turkey sausage?
Absolutely! Swapping in chicken or turkey sausage for the traditional Italian sausage makes this Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe a bit lighter, but all the savory flavor still shines through.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes—use a dairy-free cream alternative (such as coconut cream or a plant-based substitute) and skip the Parmesan, or opt for a dairy-free cheese. It won’t be quite as rich, but the pasta will still be flavorful and satisfying.
How do I make the dish spicier?
Simply use spicy Italian sausage and be generous with the red pepper flakes when making your sauce. You can also sprinkle extra chili flakes on top before serving, if you like a fiery kick!
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, thawed and well-drained frozen spinach will work in a pinch. Remember to squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the skillet so your sauce stays thick and creamy.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Sturdy shapes like penne or rotini are perfect for this Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe because their nooks and ridges trap the creamy sauce and bits of sausage. However, you can use whatever pasta shape you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe is one of those rare dishes that’s as cozy as it is quick and unfussy. All the flavors come together in perfect harmony, flashing with color and creamy richness. Give it a try the next time you need a fast, crowd-pleasing comfort meal—you just might find it becomes a repeat request at your table!
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Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. It features Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a creamy tomato sauce tossed with pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed), 3 garlic cloves minced, 1 small yellow onion chopped, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice), ¼ cup tomato paste, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 3 cups fresh baby spinach, ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt and black pepper to taste, chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Add garlic and onion, sauté until softened.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer to thicken. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in cream and Parmesan.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, toss to coat. Add pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use spicy sausage for extra heat or substitute with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- This dish reheats well and makes excellent leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
