One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta with Spinach

How beautiful leaves grow old.

How full of color are their last days.

An easy comfort food perfect for fall evenings. Your family will surely enjoy it as it's loaded with their favorite Italian flavors.  The cook will like the recipe as its all made in ONE POT even the pasta.  

One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta with Spinach

Recipe serves 4-6 and pair pasta dish with cornbread muffins or artisan bread.

Cooking tip: Since pasta absorbs liquid to reheat the next day add in some chicken broth. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb. ground Italian sausage 
• 1-1/2 TB. olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 
• 3/4 cup diced sweet onions
• 3/4 cup diced mini sweet red and yellow peppers
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium) 
• 2 cups penne pasta (dried) 
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning 
• 1 can (14.5) petite diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and onion
• 3/4-1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups baby spinach torn leaves, stems removed
• 1/4 cup cream
• Optional 1/4 cup dry red wine e.g. Cabernet, pinot noir  
• 1 TB. fresh basil, minced  

Directions:

• In a large skillet at least 4 inches deep or a large pot heat olive oil. Add sausage,  peppers, garlic and onions. Cook until meat is no longer pink and peppers and onions are soft. 
• Crumble sausage in pan. Remove meat mixture and place on a paper towel lined plate. 
• Wipe pan free of grease. Add to the pan water, broth, dried penne, spices and canned  tomatoes.  
• Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low and simmer 15 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Stir once midway through cooking. 
• Uncover and turn off heat.  Add in cream,wine if using, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, meat mixture, basil and torn spinach leaves. Cook on a low heat 3 minutes or until spinach is wilted.
• Sprinkle on rest of Parmesan cheese right before serving.