In the world of culinary convenience, one-pot meals are the unsung heroes. They offer a harmonious blend of flavors, minimal cooking fuss, and perhaps best of all, easy cleanup. One such gem in the realm of one-pot wonders is the “One-Pot Pasta with Sausage and Spinach.” This dish combines savory sausage, vibrant spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta, all in a single pot. In this article, we’ll take you through the simple steps to create this delicious and hassle-free meal.
Ingredients:
For this delightful one-pot pasta, you’ll need:
- 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or any shape you prefer)
- 4 Italian sausages (sweet or spicy, as per your taste), casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Sausage: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until it’s browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics: Push the sausage to one side of the pot and add the chopped onion to the other side. Cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Now, mix everything together. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and Italian seasoning. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors.
- Add Pasta: Add the dry pasta to the pot. Pour in enough water to cover the pasta completely (usually around 3-4 cups). You can adjust the amount of water depending on your preferred sauce consistency.
- Simmer and Stir: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer, uncovered, for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked to your desired level of tenderness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Spinach: Toss in the chopped spinach and let it wilt into the pasta mixture. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Once the pasta is cooked, and the spinach is wilted, it’s time to serve. Dish out generous portions into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
A Wholesome Feast with Minimal Effort
One-pot pasta with sausage and spinach is a testament to the fact that you don’t need a multitude of dishes to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. This dish delivers the comforting taste of Italian sausage, the earthy goodness of spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta, all simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. With the added bonus of minimal cleanup, it’s a recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, grab a large pot, and let the magic of one-pot cooking unfold as you savor every delicious bite of this delightful meal.
