Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Italian herbs and penne wrapped in a rich Parmesan-cream sauce.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Total Time45 minutesmins
Servings: 4generous servings
Author: Adapted from Small Town Women Italian Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
1lb.Italian Sausage
1small onion finely chopped
3clovesgarlic minced
1teaspoondried oregano
1/2teaspooncrushed fennel seeds
1/2teaspoonfresh ground black pepper
1/4teaspooncrushed rosemary
1/4teaspoondried thyme leaves
1/4teaspooncrushed red pepper
12ouncesuncooked penneor 2 packages of precooked microwaveable pasta, 8.5 oz each.
3/4cupchicken broth
1 3/4cupsheavy whipping cream
2/3cupfresh grated Parmesan cheeseplus additional for topping
1cupsun-dried tomatoes julienne cut packed in oildrained
4-5cupsbaby 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.