Name: Cozy Italian Sausage Penne with Spinach and Basil
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 400g penne pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 200g Italian sausage, casing removed and crumbled; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 400g canned crushed tomatoes; 100g baby spinach; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn; Salt and pepper to taste; Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving

Cozy Italian Sausage Penne with Spinach and Basil

miradu

On a chilly night, a warm bowl of pasta can be incredibly comforting. This Italian-inspired penne pasta dish combines the hearty flavors of Italian sausage and the freshness of basil and spinach, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce. It's perfect for a cozy dinner, offering a balance of spicy, savory, and fresh notes, with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan to finish. The dish is not only satisfying but also quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Instructions

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
Add the crumbled Italian sausage to the skillet, cooking until browned. Stir in red pepper flakes for heat.
Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.
Add the baby spinach to the sauce, stirring until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, ensuring each piece is coated. Stir in the torn basil leaves just before serving.
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.