Tuscan Sausage & Spinach Pasta

A hearty pasta dish featuring flavorful Italian sausage, tender spinach, and diced tomatoes in a rich, herb-infused sauce, served with warm garlic bread.

• Prep: 20 min
• Cook: 30 min
• Total: 50 min
• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: Italian
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cost: $4.09/serving

Dietary

• Nut-Free
• Soy-Free
• Egg-Free
• High-Protein

Tags

• comfort food
• quick
• savory

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion (medium, diced)
• 3 clove garlic (minced)
• 14.5 ounce diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• 5 ounce fresh spinach
• 8 ounce spaghetti
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 baguette
• 2 tablespoon butter (softened)
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
2. While pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the yellow onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their liquid) and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Stir in the fresh spinach a handful at a time, allowing it to wilt before adding more. Cook until all spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
7. While the sauce simmers, prepare the garlic bread: Slice the baguette lengthwise. In a small bowl, combine softened butter and garlic powder. Spread the garlic butter evenly over both halves of the baguette. Bake in an oven or toast under a broiler for 3-5 minutes, until golden and crisp.
8. Serve the pasta immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with warm garlic bread on the side.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. A sprinkle of fresh basil can also enhance the flavors.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 610
• Protein: 33.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 65.2 g
• Fat: 24.8 g
• Fiber: 7.1 g
• Sodium: 1280 mg
• Saturated Fat: 9.2 g
• Sugar: 7.8 g
• Cholesterol: 68 mg