Description
A hearty and flavorful Italian sausage pasta dish featuring sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach simmered in marinara sauce, tossed with al dente pasta. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and can be garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk or casing removed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work well)
Garnish (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Spinach: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet with the mushrooms and spinach. Stir in the marinara sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce and evenly mixed.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta between plates and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Using bulk sausage without casing helps it break apart more easily during cooking.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but spaghetti also works.
- Feel free to substitute fresh herbs with dried if fresh is not available.
- For a lower-fat option, use turkey Italian sausage and reduce the olive oil quantity.
