Introduction
There’s something magical about a hearty bowl of pasta, don’t you think? It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. And when you pair it with juicy sausage, vibrant spinach, and a tangy tomato sauce, it transforms into a comforting meal that’s hard to beat. Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes: it’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and nutritious enough to keep everyone in the family happy.
This dish has become a staple in our household for busy weeknights. I vividly remember the first time I made it. My husband had just come home after a grueling day, and I wanted to whip up something comforting yet uncomplicated. With some pantry staples and a pack of turkey sausage, this pasta came to life in under 30 minutes. One bite, and it instantly became a family favorite.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, this recipe is a winner. Plus, it’s easy to customize with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Let’s dive into the magic of Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta and see why it deserves a spot on your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients here—just simple, straightforward cooking.
- Rich in Flavor: The sausage adds a savory kick, the spinach brings freshness, and the tomato sauce ties everything together with its tangy richness. It’s a flavor combination that’s comforting yet sophisticated.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from the sausage, vitamins from the spinach, and a hearty dose of carbs for energy, this meal strikes a balance between indulgent and wholesome.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will fall in love with this dish. You can adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s preferences.
- Customizable: Have extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms? Toss them in! Prefer chicken sausage or want to keep it vegetarian? You can easily make swaps to fit your tastes.
When you serve this pasta, the comforting aroma fills your kitchen, and the combination of textures—silky pasta, tender spinach, and juicy sausage—creates a satisfying bite every time.
Preparation Time and Servings
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 480 | Protein: 25g | Carbs: 55g | Fat: 18g
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite type)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound turkey sausage (or chicken sausage, sliced or crumbled)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy texture)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Each ingredient brings something essential to the table. The sausage provides protein and flavor, the spinach adds freshness, and the tomato sauce ties everything together. The cream and Parmesan elevate the dish to next-level comfort food.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. If using links, slice them into bite-sized pieces before cooking. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate the Spinach:
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring gently until it wilts, about 2 minutes. If you prefer more spinach, feel free to add extra!
- Combine with Cream and Sausage:
- Stir in the heavy cream for a richer texture, if desired. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, ensuring it’s evenly distributed in the sauce. Let everything simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Mix in the Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Finish with Parmesan:
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta, stirring gently until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Divide the pasta among serving bowls. Garnish with additional Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve
- Serve this pasta as a main dish with warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls.
- Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- For a cozy dinner, accompany it with a bowl of hearty soup, like minestrone or tomato basil.
This pasta dish is versatile enough to stand alone but also pairs wonderfully with other comforting sides. It’s an ideal meal for both casual weeknights and more formal dinner gatherings.
Additional Tips
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and ensures a silky texture. Add it gradually to prevent over-thinning the sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan make a big difference in flavor. Avoid pre-grated Parmesan for the best results.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. For a milder dish, omit them entirely.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat gently before adding cooked pasta.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted chickpeas.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Spicy Twist: Swap the turkey sausage for spicy chicken sausage and increase the red pepper flakes.
- Cream-Free Option: Skip the heavy cream for a lighter, dairy-free version.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for more flavor and nutrition.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze the sauce (without pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet: A wide, deep skillet works best for sautéing and mixing the pasta.
- Pasta Pot: A sturdy pot for boiling pasta ensures even cooking.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: Perfect for draining pasta and reserving pasta water.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with a variety of sausages. Try chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version. Spicy Italian sausage adds an extra kick, while a milder sausage keeps the flavors balanced for kids or those who prefer less heat.
2. What kind of pasta is best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal because they hold the sauce beautifully. However, you can use whatever pasta you have on hand, including spaghetti or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
3. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. You can also skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
4. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! This recipe is very adaptable. Mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or even broccoli can be added for extra nutrients and texture. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic for the best results.
5. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! If you love heat, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or use a spicy sausage. You can also drizzle a bit of sriracha or hot sauce over the finished dish for an extra kick.
6. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating, as the pasta can become too soft.
Print
Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create this flavorful one-pot wonder:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb (450g) sausage (chicken, turkey, or your favorite variety), sliced into rounds
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 8 oz (225g) penne or rigatoni pasta
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional but highly recommended)
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, take a moment to prep all your ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, slice the sausage, and have your spinach ready to go. Having everything prepared makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Pro Tip: Don’t let the garlic brown—it can become bitter if overcooked.
3. Brown the Sausage
Add the sausage slices to the pot. Let them cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re browned and slightly crispy. This step is crucial for building flavor, as the browned bits add richness to the sauce.
4. Build the Sauce
Sprinkle the smoked paprika and red pepper flakes over the sausage, stirring to coat evenly. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Mix everything well, ensuring the tomato paste dissolves into the liquid.
Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
5. Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the sauce. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Pro Tip: If the sauce thickens too much during this step, add a splash of water or broth to keep things saucy.
6. Add the Spinach
Once the pasta is tender, fold in the fresh spinach. It may seem like a lot at first, but it will wilt down quickly. This step adds a beautiful pop of green and a subtle freshness to balance the richness of the sauce.
7. Finish with Cream
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. This final touch makes the sauce velvety and indulgent. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
8. Garnish and Serve
Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped basil or parsley. For extra flavor, top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
Conclusion
I hope this Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta becomes a regular in your kitchen like it has in mine. It’s one of those dishes that’s hard not to love—comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a quick meal for busy nights, this recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me. Seeing your creations makes my day. Happy cooking!
