A delicious and hearty meal, this Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with fresh spinach and a savory tomato sauce. It’s a one-pot wonder, making it the perfect dinner solution when you’re looking for something that’s both simple and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish brings together the goodness of wholesome ingredients in every bite.

The comforting combination of sausage, spinach, and pasta, enhanced by garlic and herbs, makes for a dish that’s both flavorful and filling. It’s a great way to enjoy a balanced meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. The best part? You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or extra seasonings to make it your own. Serve it alongside some fresh bread or a side salad, and you have a complete meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta is a must-try for several reasons. First, it’s a one-pot dish, which makes cleanup a breeze. You get the rich flavor of Italian sausage combined with the freshness of spinach and tomatoes, all tossed with pasta in a savory sauce. The garlic, smoked paprika, and mixed herbs elevate the dish, giving it a deep, aromatic flavor profile. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal for guests, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s also versatile — you can adjust the level of spice and even switch up the type of pasta for your personal preferences.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

Uncooked basmati rice
Chicken thighs
Mixed herbs
Smoked paprika
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Olive oil
Onion (chopped)
Butter
Low sodium chicken stock
Salt and pepper
Green onions (for garnish, or substitute with chives, parsley, or coriander)

Variations

This recipe is highly customizable! Here are a few variations to try:

Vegetarian Option: Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for a meatless version.
Spicy Version: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or a spicy Italian sausage to the mix.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta for a completely gluten-free dish.
Different Pasta: While the recipe calls for a classic pasta shape, feel free to use any type of pasta you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by chopping the onion and slicing the sausage. If you’re using chicken thighs, cut them into bite-sized pieces. You can also prepare the rice if you’re using it as a base for the dish.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks. Remove from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the onions until they soften, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and mixed herbs, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Stock

Add the chicken thighs to the skillet, along with the chicken stock. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Pasta

Stir in the spinach and cooked pasta. Let everything cook together for another 5-7 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the flavors are well combined.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is cooked through, garnish with chopped green onions, chives, parsley, or coriander, depending on your preference. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use high-quality sausage: The flavor of the sausage is key to the success of this dish. Try to use a high-quality Italian sausage or chicken sausage for the best flavor.
Don’t overcook the spinach: You want the spinach to be wilted but still vibrant. Add it toward the end of the cooking process to keep its texture.
Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce as it cooks, and adjust the salt, pepper, or spices as needed to suit your preferences.
Make it creamy: If you want a creamy pasta, you can stir in some heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese toward the end.

How to Serve

This Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta is delicious served with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. For a more substantial meal, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a bowl of creamy soup. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds the perfect finishing touch, giving the dish an extra boost of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

To freeze the dish, let it cool to room temperature, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. This pasta can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, you can either use the microwave or warm it on the stove with a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent it from drying out. Heat until warmed through and serve.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for sausage. However, you may want to add extra seasoning to enhance the flavor.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, farfalle, or fusilli.

3. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta, and make sure the sausage is gluten-free if you’re concerned about cross-contamination.

4. Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, frozen spinach works just as well. Make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet.

5. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

If you’re using pre-cooked sausage, you can skip the step of browning it in the skillet. Just slice it and add it to the dish when you add the chicken stock.

6. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or load up the dish with more vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

7. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works just fine. Just be sure not to overcook it, as it can dry out more easily than chicken thighs.

8. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for a bit of heat.

9. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), or when it’s no longer pink in the center.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double this recipe to serve more people. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure everything is cooked evenly.

Conclusion

This Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner that’s simple to prepare, delicious, and packed with nutrients. The combination of savory sausage, fresh spinach, and pasta in a rich tomato sauce makes it a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a comforting dish ready in no time. Plus, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to make adjustments based on your preferences. Try this recipe today, and it will quickly become a family favorite!