Hearty one-pot pasta with Italian sausage, tomatoes, spinach, and creamy Parmesan sauce in 35 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 14 ounces Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes
05 - 3.5 ounces baby spinach (optional)
→ Pasta & Liquids
06 - 10 ounces short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
07 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
→ Dairy
08 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
12 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Warm the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
02 - Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, approximately 5 minutes.
03 - Incorporate the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened; add minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in the diced tomatoes with juices, dried Italian herbs, and crushed red pepper flakes if using, ensuring thorough mixing.
05 - Add the uncooked pasta and chicken broth; stir well and bring mixture to a boil.
06 - Lower heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches al dente texture and liquid has mostly absorbed.
07 - Mix in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese; add baby spinach if desired and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.
08 - Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
