If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that feels like a hug from your favorite Italian grandma, you have to try this Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe. Every twirl is loaded with perfectly browned sausage, a swirl of creamy tomato sauce, and just-wilted spinach — all tied together on a bed of pasta that soaks up every last bit. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or you’re impressing friends, this is the kind of meal everyone will want seconds of.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe are humble, but when combined, every element shines — the sausage brings heartiness, the spinach lends brilliant green color and freshness, and a splash of cream and cheese makes it truly swoon-worthy. Each ingredient does its part to build incredible depth and simplicity you’ll love.
- 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta: These hold the sauce beautifully and give each bite a satisfying chew.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just enough to help brown the sausage and let the aromatics shine.
- 12 ounces Italian sausage (casings removed): Classic pork sausage delivers lots of flavor, but try turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides that Italian-kitchen aroma and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick — use more or less depending on your spice preference.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices): Juicy tomatoes give a bit of body and a fresh brightness to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce: Smoothes out the sauce and ties everything together in a velvety tomato base.
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach: Spinach melts right into the pasta, offering color and gentle earthiness.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Just the right amount for a luscious, creamy finish without being heavy.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that unmistakable salty, nutty edge only Parmesan provides.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: A dash here brings out all the bold and nuanced flavors of the dish.
- Chopped basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Perfect for a final touch of color and garden-fresh aroma.
How to Make Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your penne or rigatoni and cook according to the package directions until perfectly al dente — you want the pasta to have a slight bite, so it holds up nicely against the rich sauce. Once done, drain it and set aside. The pasta will finish cooking as it soaks up all those wonderful flavors in the final step.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (make sure it’s out of its casings) and break it apart with a spatula. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, letting it get golden brown and just a little crispy on the edges. This part sets the stage for the rest of the Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe — the sausage flavor really shines here.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spice
Toss the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes right into the sizzling sausage. Give everything a stir for about a minute until your kitchen starts to smell overwhelmingly amazing. This step infuses the oil and the sausage with all that garlicky heat and aroma, providing flavor notes all through the sauce.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the tomato sauce. Stir to combine, bringing the mixture to a lively simmer. Let it bubble for about 5 minutes, so everything melds together and some of the liquid evaporates, giving you a rich, tomato-forward sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Pile the fresh baby spinach right on top. Stir it gently until it wilts into the tomato mixture, which should only take a minute or two. Spinach looks like a lot at first, but it quickly melts into the sauce, adding color and that little touch of garden-fresh brightness to the Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe.
Step 6: Make it Creamy
Turn the heat down to low, then add in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes. The sauce will thicken and become beautifully silky, wrapping every piece of sausage in creamy, cheesy tomato goodness.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Add your cooked pasta right into the skillet, then toss well so every piece is thoroughly coated in the luscious sauce. Give it a taste, adjust with salt and pepper as needed, then serve right away. If you love extra color, sprinkle on fresh basil or parsley before bringing it to the table.
How to Serve Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Go all out with a generous flurry of grated Parmesan and a scattering of freshly chopped basil or parsley. A quick drizzle of olive oil or a crack of black pepper at the table can make each serving feel restaurant-worthy and special.
Side Dishes
This Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe plays beautifully next to a simple green salad or some warm, crusty garlic bread. A classic Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or marinated olives make for easy additions to round out your Italian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try dishing up the pasta in big, shallow bowls for family-style sharing, or top each serving with a dollop of ricotta for extra creaminess. For a fun twist, serve in individual ramekins baked briefly with a final sprinkle of cheese until bubbly and golden.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe are a dream! Simply let everything cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making each bite even more comforting the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your pasta, portion it into freezer-safe containers and stash away for up to 2 months. For best results, use a slightly undercooked pasta so it holds up after thawing and reheating. Defrost in the fridge overnight before serving again.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet with a splash of water or cream over low heat, stirring until the sauce loosens and everything is warmed through. If you’re reheating from frozen, allow it to defrost in the refrigerator first, then warm up on the stovetop as above.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While traditional Italian sausage is classic for the Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe, turkey, chicken, or even spicy sausage will work beautifully. Each brings its own unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can swap in half-and-half or even whole milk for a slightly lighter sauce. The creaminess will be a bit less intense, but the Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe will still be delicious and silky.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of regular penne or rigatoni. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this hearty recipe without worry.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely — simply leave out the sausage and boost the protein with sautéed mushrooms or white beans. The creamy tomato sauce and spinach will still deliver plenty of comfort and flavor in your vegetarian version of the Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe.
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even kale instead of spinach are all tasty additions. Just sauté your extra veggies along with the sausage to give them a head start before adding the tomatoes.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, if I could bottle up the comfort and joy that comes from a bowl of this Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe, I’d share it with everyone I know. There’s just something about the creamy sauce, juicy sausage, and fresh greens that makes dinner feel extra special. Give it a try — your taste buds (and anyone lucky enough to share your table) will thank you!
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Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and satisfying Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta recipe that combines hearty Italian sausage with tender spinach in a creamy tomato sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Brown sausage in olive oil, add garlic, red pepper flakes, tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Simmer, then add spinach, cream, and Parmesan.
- Combine and Serve: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, adjust seasoning, and garnish with basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Swap in kale for spinach if preferred.
- This dish reheats well for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
