One Pot Meal Italian Sausage with Penne Tomato and Spinach

 

One Pot Italian Sausage with Penne Tomato and Spinach

Cook's Notes Start your week with an easy one-pot meal that's sure  to become a family favorite. It's a tasty comforting meal. The recipe serves 4-6. Pair the 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 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 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 teaspoon each oregano and 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
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil
• Optional 1/4 cup dry red wine e.g. Cabernet, pinot noir  
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced  
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

Directions:

• In a large skillet at least 4 inches deep or a large pot heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add sausage and cook until meat is no longer pink, crumble, and place on a paper towel-lined plate. 
• To the pot add the rest of the olive oil and sauté peppers, garlic, and onions.
• Add sausage back to the pan and add in water, broth, dried penne, spices, red pepper flakes, and canned tomatoes.  
• Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low, and simmer for 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, and torn spinach leaves. Cook on low heat for 4 minutes or until spinach is wilted.
• Sprinkle on the rest of the Parmesan cheese right before serving.