Sausage, Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta
Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Italian herbs and penne wrapped in a rich Parmesan-cream sauce.
Servings: 4 generous servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Italian Sausage
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 12 ounces uncooked penne or 2 packages of precooked microwaveable pasta, 8.5 oz each.
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for topping
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes julienne cut packed in oil drained
- 4-5 cups baby spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- On medium heat, brown the Italian Sausage for 3-4 minutes, crumbling the meat as it cooks. Add the onion and continue cooking until the sausage is browned and the onions are soft, another few minutes. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the garlic, oregano, fennel seeds, black pepper, rosemary, thyme leaves, and crushed red pepper, cooking for 1 minute. Remove the sausage mixture and keep warm (I use a plate and a pan cover.)
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain well. Note - If you're using pre-cooked pasta, wait until the sauce has reduced before microwaving.
- Add the chicken broth to the skillet and scrape up any brown bits. Add the heavy cream, bring to a boil and reduce by half on a low simmer (about 10 minutes.)
- Turn the heat to low and stir in the parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the spinach is wilted (a few minutes.) Add the sausage mixture and pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper , if desired. Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Make ahead:
Cook sausage, onion, and herb mixture and then refrigerate. Reduce broth and whip cream mixture and refrigerate.
Rewarm the sausage mixture in the microwave when you are ready to finish the recipe. Pour cream sauce into a large skillet, and return to a low simmer. Proceed with the recipe, adding Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Then add pasta and sausage.