Description
A creamy and flavorful Italian Sausage Pasta dish combining savory sausage, roasted red peppers, spinach, and a luscious cheese sauce. This one-pot meal is cooked on the stovetop, making it quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound Italian Sausage
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 1/2 cups Milk
- 1 1/2 cups Chicken Broth
- 16 ounce Jar of Roasted Red Peppers (drained and puréed)
Cheeses
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Vegetables and Pasta
- 1 1/2 cups Fresh Spinach (adjust to preference)
- 12 ounces Cavatappi Pasta (or your favorite pasta)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Cook Sausage and Garlic: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil on medium-high. Add minced garlic and Italian sausage, cooking until the sausage is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
- Puree Roasted Red Peppers: While the sausage cooks, drain the jar of roasted red peppers and blend them in a food processor or blender until smooth.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Stir the pureed red peppers, chicken broth, milk, uncooked pasta, salt, and pepper into the pot with the sausage. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged; if not, gradually add equal parts milk and chicken broth (starting with 1/4 cup each) until covered.
- Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add Cheeses: Mix in the grated Parmesan and cream cheese, stirring until the cheeses melt completely and combine smoothly into the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Garnish with optional chopped parsley, fresh basil, Italian seasoning, additional Parmesan, or shredded mozzarella cheese to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use cavatappi or any favorite pasta shape that holds sauce well.
- For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- To make this vegetarian, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust spinach quantity to your liking for more greens.
- Be sure to monitor the simmering to avoid sticking or burning at the bottom.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
