Hearty Pasta Dinner (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
02 -
15 oz Italian sausage, crumbled (sweet or spicy based on preference)
03 -
8 oz uncooked rigatoni pasta
04 -
1 cup chicken broth
05 -
1 cup heavy cream
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
08 -
15 oz tomato sauce or marinara
09 -
5 oz fresh spinach
10 -
Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
11 -
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook for about 5 minutes until browned. Break it into smaller pieces as it cooks, then drain any excess grease.
02 -
Add the uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce to the skillet with the sausage. Stir well to make sure the pasta is coated evenly.
03 -
Bring everything to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
04 -
Once pasta is tender, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir for a few minutes until wilted, or cover and let the residual heat wilt the spinach for about 4 minutes.
05 -
If you want a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for a couple more minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Remember the sausage already adds saltiness, so taste before adding more salt.
# Notes:
01 -
While rigatoni works best for this recipe, you can substitute penne or ziti if needed. Avoid long pastas like spaghetti.
02 -
For spicier flavor, use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes. For milder taste, stick with sweet Italian sausage.
03 -
Make it vegetarian by replacing sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives.
04 -
For extra richness, add grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano just before serving.
05 -
For thicker sauce, reduce chicken broth slightly or simmer uncovered longer.