Creamy Spinach Sausage Pasta

Creamy Spinach Sausage Pasta

Hey there, friend! If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts comforting, flavorful, and easy to whip up, you’ve come to the right place.

This Creamy Spinach Sausage Pasta is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

Imagine tender pasta tossed in a velvety, garlicky cream sauce, studded with savory sausage and vibrant spinach.

It’s rich, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without the fuss.

How to Make It

Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

1. Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta until it’s al dente. While that’s happening, you can multitask like a pro and get the sauce going. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water—it’s liquid gold for thickening the sauce later!

2. Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the sausage until it’s beautifully browned and crumbled. The sizzle and aroma will have your kitchen smelling like a cozy Italian trattoria in no time.

3. Sauté the Aromatics
Add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet with the sausage. Let the garlic toast just until fragrant—this is where the magic starts to happen.

4. Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld. Toss in the fresh spinach and watch it wilt into the sauce, adding a pop of color and nutrients.

5. Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with a splash of pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in that luscious, creamy sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a crack of black pepper. Dinner is served!

Pro Tips

• Swap the Protein: Not a fan of sausage? Try ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter twist.
• Kick Up the Heat: Love a little spice? Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Make It Veggie-Packed: Toss in extra veggies like mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or zucchini for added flavor and texture.
• Use Fresh Spinach: While frozen spinach works in a pinch, fresh spinach gives the dish a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm it up on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.
• Freezing: This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream sauce, so enjoy it fresh!

Print Recipe

Creamy Spinach Sausage Pasta

Cooking Method: Boiling, Sauteing, Simmering Cuisine: Italian Delights Courses: Main Courses, Quick & Easy Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 550

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Dietary:

Nut Free Soy Free

Description

This Creamy Spinach Sausage Pasta is a quick and easy dinner that combines tender pasta, savory sausage, and fresh spinach in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
• 1 lb Italian sausage, mild or spicy (casings removed)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₂ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups heavy cream
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 8 minutes).
3. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted (about 2-3 minutes).
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss to combine, adding more pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 550kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 35g54%

Total Carbohydrate 35g12%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 3g

Protein 25g50%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.
• Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this dish gluten-free.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a bright, tangy finish.

These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.

Keywords: Creamy Spinach Sausage Pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, creamy pasta, sausage pasta