Tomato Spinach Pasta with Sausage and Creamy Parmesan Sauce

This Tomato Spinach Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a rich and creamy sauce packed with flavor. The combination of sausage, baby spinach, and a blend of tomato paste and Parmesan cheese creates a hearty and satisfying dish. With its creamy, savory sauce and tender pasta, this meal is perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon each: onion powder, mustard powder, basil, oregano, parsley

For the Pasta and Other Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• ½ lb. ground sausage (hot, sweet, or mild)
• ½ cup dry white wine (see notes)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 3 tablespoons softened cream cheese (optional but recommended)
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ lb. Mezzi Rigatoni (see notes)
• 3 cups packed baby spinach (or up to 4 oz.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine all the sauce ingredients. Set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Boil the Pasta: While the sausage is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain when done.
4. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add the white wine and cook over medium heat for about 4 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate any leftover bits. This will add flavor to your sauce.
5. Make the Sauce: Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Melt the butter in the skillet, then add the flour and tomato paste. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the raw flour smell disappears.
6. Add the Sauce Ingredients: Gradually add the sauce mixture to the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. Add the drained tomatoes and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
7. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to melt, and let the sauce simmer uncovered while the pasta finishes cooking. Once the pasta is ready, drain and set aside.
8. Combine: Reduce heat to low and slowly sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously. Add the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Stir in the cooked sausage.
9. Mix in the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. The sauce will thicken slightly as it sits. Serve and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Flavorful: The rich, creamy sauce is packed with layers of flavor from the sausage, Parmesan, and seasonings.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish offers the ultimate comfort, with tender pasta, savory sausage, and a velvety sauce.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and a short cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

Tips

• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully in the sauce, adding flavor and texture. If you’re in a pinch, frozen spinach works, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.
• Adjust the Heat: Choose the sausage based on your preferred level of heat—mild, sweet, or spicy.
• Cream Cheese: While optional, adding cream cheese gives the sauce a richer, creamier texture. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can skip it.

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. Many gluten-free pastas like rice or corn-based options work well with creamy sauces.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and replace it with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap out the cream, butter, and Parmesan for non-dairy alternatives such as coconut cream, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! While Mezzi Rigatoni works perfectly, feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can cook the sausage and prepare the sauce in advance. Reheat before adding the pasta and spinach, and adjust the seasoning as needed.

How can I make the sauce spicier? If you prefer a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce, or opt for hot sausage for more heat.

Serving and Suggestions

• Pair with a Salad: Serve with a side salad like a simple arugula or Caesar salad to balance the richness of the pasta.
• Wine Pairing: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with this creamy pasta dish.
• Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color.

Enjoy this Tomato Spinach Pasta with Sausage for a delicious and comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy!