Hearty one-pot dish with Italian sausage, tomatoes, pasta, and a touch of cream for simple flavorful meals.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 14 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
05 - 3.5 oz baby spinach (optional)
→ Pasta & Liquids
06 - 10 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
07 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
→ Dairy
08 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 2 tbsp olive oil
11 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
12 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How-To Steps:
01 - Warm olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
02 - Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Pour in canned diced tomatoes with juices, dried Italian herbs, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
05 - Add uncooked pasta and chicken broth. Stir well and bring mixture to a boil.
06 - Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
07 - Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Add baby spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.
08 - Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
