Made this for the playoffs and the pot was scraped clean! Need to double the batch next time!
Are you ready to elevate your playoff game day with a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds? Look no further than this delectable creamy sausage and spinach pasta recipe! Perfect for feeding a crowd or just satisfying your comfort food cravings, this dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to whip up this mouthwatering meal.
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Ingredients for Creamy Sausage and Spinach Pasta:
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| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sweet Italian sausage | 1 lb |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1 large, diced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Chicken broth | 6 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Ditalini pasta | 1 1/2 cups |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Fresh spinach | 4 cups, roughly chopped |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup grated, plus more for garnish |
| Fresh parsley | For garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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- Brown the Italian Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until fully browned. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot using a slotted spoon and set it aside for later use.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
- Simmer with Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, add the heavy cream, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Cook Pasta: Introduce the ditalini pasta into the pot, stirring occasionally, and cook until it reaches al dente perfection. This small pasta variety adds a delightful texture to the dish, ensuring each bite is filled with savory goodness.
- Incorporate Sausage and Spinach: Return the browned sausage to the pot, along with the freshly chopped spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt gently as it combines with the other ingredients, infusing the dish with vibrant color and nutrients.
- Melt Parmesan Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked to perfection and the spinach has wilted, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the creamy sauce, creating a luxurious texture and adding a hint of salty goodness.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the creamy sausage and spinach pasta into bowls, garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. These final touches not only enhance the presentation but also add an extra layer of flavor to each mouthful.
