This 30-minute Italian Sausage Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the richness of Italian sausage with the earthiness of mushrooms, the freshness of spinach, and the tangy depth of marinara sauce. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The best part? It’s a one-pot wonder, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or shiitake)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until they release their moisture and start to brown.
Step 4: Add the Marinara Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Season with red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Incorporate the Spinach and Sausage
Add the chopped spinach to the sauce, stirring until it wilts. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, mixing everything together.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. Let it cook for 2 more minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, garnished with extra basil or parsley if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this pasta with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- A glass of red wine (like Chianti or Sangiovese) complements the flavors beautifully.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or marinara sauce to prevent drying out.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This 30-minute Italian Sausage Pasta is a lifesaver for busy nights, delivering bold flavors with minimal effort. The combination of savory sausage, earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and rich marinara sauce makes every bite satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Would you like any variations or substitutions for dietary preferences? 😊