If you’ve been searching for a comforting yet vibrant pasta dish to brighten up your weeknight dinners, this Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes, hearty Italian sausage, and fresh spinach tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, every bite delivers a cozy, flavorful hug. The balance of mild heat, garlic aroma, and rich tomato sauce makes it a personal favorite that feels like a home-cooked celebration on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays a vital role in making the dish colorful, aromatic, and satisfying.
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage meat (mild or spicy): The star protein that adds a savory, robust foundation with a hint of spice depending on your choice.
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped: Garlic brings an irresistible aroma and depth.
- 7 oz (200g) cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped: The juicy burst of sweetness and acidity that brightens each mouthful.
- 1 handful fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, slightly earthy counterpoint.
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the sauce a lovely richness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Provides warmth and subtle smokiness to the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds a gentle kick of heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing and to create a silky sauce base.
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes: Sprinkled at the end, it gives you control over the spice level.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Balances flavors with mild pungency.
- 4 servings pasta (we used farfalle): The perfect shape to hold onto the sauce and sausage in every bite.
How to Make Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cooking your pasta al dente is key because it ensures a perfect, slightly firm texture that won’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce later. Follow the package instructions carefully, then drain the pasta and set it aside so it’s ready to be combined with the flavorful sausage and tomato mixture.
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage and Garlic
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the Italian sausage meat and break it up gently with a wooden spoon. Cook the sausage until it’s mostly done but still juicy. Then add the chopped garlic and sauté just until fragrant—it will fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma that makes the anticipation even sweeter. Make sure the sausage is no longer pink before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes and Spices
Now stir in the roughly chopped cherry tomatoes, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Allow this mixture to cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften and start to meld with the sausage, creating a rich, colorful sauce that promises layers of flavor. It’s where the dish really starts to come alive.
Step 4: Add Tomato Puree and Spinach
Mix in the tomato puree—it thickens the sauce and deepens the tomato taste beautifully. Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts down into the sauce. This step adds a lovely, vibrant green that contrasts the red tomato base and gives the dish freshness along with added nutrients.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Season and Serve
Finally, add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sausage and tomato sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so the sauce coats every piece of pasta perfectly. Finish with a sprinkle of ground black pepper and chili flakes. These final touches balance and elevate the flavors, making the Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe irresistible on the plate.
How to Serve Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To add a touch of freshness and crunch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or shaved Pecorino on top. A handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley brightens the dish further, adding herbal notes that complement the sausage and tomato sauce splendidly.
Side Dishes
This Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm, crusty focaccia also make excellent companions to help soak up every last bit of that savory sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnish each with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a few red chili flakes for that extra zing. You could also sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top to introduce a delightful nutty crunch that contrasts the tender pasta.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cool the pasta completely before sealing the container to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this pasta freezes well. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and store for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve as much flavor and texture as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it covered, stirring halfway through, but stovetop reheating usually yields a better texture and flavor revival.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausages for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage gives a classic flavor, you can use chorizo, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage alternatives for a different twist that suits your taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and other ingredients remain the same, making this an easy adaptation.
How spicy is the Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe?
The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to paprika, cayenne, and chili flakes, but you can adjust the spices to your liking by reducing or increasing the amounts accordingly.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a meal prep?
Definitely! This pasta holds up well as leftovers and can be portioned out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
We love farfalle because its bow tie shape holds the sauce nicely, but penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are also excellent choices for trapping bits of sausage and spinach in every bite.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe brings together the perfect harmony of simple ingredients and bold flavors to create a dish that’s hearty, fresh, and utterly delicious. It’s a fantastic way to brighten up your week and impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you. Don’t wait to try it—your taste buds will thank you!
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Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish combining spicy Italian sausage with fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a rich tomato puree sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe uses simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal with a balanced blend of spices and textures.
Ingredients
Sausage and Sauce
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage meat (mild or spicy)
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
- 7 oz (200g) cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 handful fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Pasta
- 4 servings pasta (we used farfalle)
- Salt (for pasta water, to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente following the package instructions. Drain and set aside once done.
- Cook the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Sauté until the sausage is nearly cooked through. Add the chopped garlic and cook until fragrant and the sausage is no longer pink.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the roughly chopped cherry tomatoes, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften and blend with the sausage.
- Incorporate Tomato Puree and Spinach: Mix in the tomato puree and add the fresh spinach. Stir continuously until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the sausage and tomato sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Season with black pepper and sprinkle chili flakes on top according to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper and chili flakes.
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or other greens if desired.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving.
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to avoid over-soft texture after mixing with the sauce.
