This quick and easy pasta recipe has everything you need for a balanced meal in one dish. Made with linguine or spaghetti tossed with crumbled Italian sausage (we used chicken) and sautéed onion, garlic, red bell pepper and spinach, it’s a simple yet flavorful dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Pasta with Crumbled Sausage and Spinach
This quick and easy one-dish dinner is made with linguine or spaghetti, crumbled Italian sausage and sautéed onion, garlic, red bell pepper and fresh spinach.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sweet or hot, removed from the casing
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
- 1/2 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Parmigiano-Reggiano for grating
Instructions
- Put a large pot of salted water on to boil for the pasta.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes or until lightly browned, breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Transfer to a plate and drain the fat from the pan.
- Return the pan to the stove over medium heat and add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onion and sauté until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute longer.
- Add the red bell pepper and continue cooking, stirring often, until the peppers are crisp-tender, 2 minutes more. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes and combine well.
- Add a handful of spinach to the pan and toss with the onion mixture until wilted. Repeat the process until all the spinach is cooked, then return the crumbled sausage to the pan and combine well. Reduce the heat to low to keep warm.
- Cook and drain the pasta according to package directions and toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the sausage mixture and combine well. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- To serve, plate individual servings and top with grated cheese.
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Stacy L Pitt says
This was perfect. Quick, easy, delicious.
Patrick Mc Garvey says
I am older than the ” Internet ” , have been cooking before television was born , and my insight and thoughts are often worthwhile ! AND , I am pleased beyond measure to have found you ! Your recipes and directions are the best !
I have been a ” foodie ” since I snitched vegetables from a neighbor’s garden and played “Cowboys and Indians” with my Hopalong Cassidy two gun holster set !
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Lynne Webb says
Hi Patrick,
Thanks so much for your kind words. I too am older than the internet and have been cooking for the better part of forever. I work hard to create sensible recipes and good directions and it’s so nice when someone notices and takes the time to let me know. Thanks again!