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- 8 oz penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (without casings) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh spinach - ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish The spicy Italian sausage is key. It gives the dish heat and depth. The crushed tomatoes add a rich base. Garlic and onion bring sweetness and aroma. Lastly, fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. Each ingredient plays a part in making this dish pop. You can swap penne pasta with any pasta shape you prefer. If you want less heat, use mild Italian sausage. You can replace fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. These swaps still keep the dish tasty! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 ounces of penne pasta to the pot. Cook it according to the package instructions. You want it al dente, which means it should still be firm. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of spicy Italian sausage, removing the casings first. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5-7 minutes. If there's extra fat, drain it to keep the dish lighter. Next, add 1 finely chopped medium onion to the skillet. Sauté it until it turns translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in a can of crushed tomatoes (14 ounces) next. Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Now, add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss in 1 cup of fresh spinach too. Stir everything until the pasta and spinach are well coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the pasta in bowls and top with ¾ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. Enjoy your delicious meal! To make this dish truly pop, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil adds a bright taste. You can also mix in a pinch of salt and pepper. This helps balance the heat from the sausage. If you want more spice, add extra red pepper flakes. Taste as you go. This lets you find the perfect heat level for you. For a stunning plate, use wide, shallow bowls. Start by adding the pasta first. Then, top it with sauce and sausage. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Add fresh basil leaves for color. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the dish. This gives it a nice shine and flavor. Serve immediately to keep everything warm. Pair your pasta with a simple salad. A mix of greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread is another great side. It soaks up the delicious sauce. For drinks, a chilled white wine or sparkling water complements the meal. Enjoying this dish with good company makes it even better! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the penne pasta just until al dente for the perfect texture that holds up in the sauce. Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level; start with less and add more if desired. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh ingredients, especially basil and spinach, will enhance the flavor and presentation of your dish. Garnish for Impact: A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan can elevate your dish's appearance and taste. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this dish. Instead of spicy Italian sausage, use vegan sausage or lentils. Both options add great texture and flavor. You can also add more vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms. They give a nice crunch and extra nutrients. Replace the cheese with a vegan alternative for a complete meal. For a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer gluten-free options that taste great. You can also use spiralized zucchini or butternut squash as a noodle alternative. They are healthy and add a fun twist. Make sure your sausage or meat substitute is gluten-free too. Want to enhance the dish? Try adding more spices. Crushed red pepper or fresh herbs can boost the flavor. You can also mix in olives or capers for a briny taste. For creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese. These extras make the dish even more delicious. To keep your leftover spicy Italian sausage pasta fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it’s been stored. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use a microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to heat evenly. If you want to save the pasta for later, freezing is a great option. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for a quick meal. You can use other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. These shapes hold sauce well. You can also try whole wheat or gluten-free versions for a healthier option. Each shape gives a different texture, making the dish fun to eat. To make it milder, use less spicy sausage or omit red pepper flakes. You can add more garlic and onion for flavor without heat. For more spice, add extra red pepper flakes or some hot sauce. Taste as you go to find your perfect heat. Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat the sauce and combine it with the pasta. This saves time and still tastes great! You learned about key ingredients and steps to make a great pasta dish. We covered cooking techniques, flavor enhancements, and variations for every diet. Remember to store leftovers well and reheating tips can help you enjoy your meal longer. Embrace creativity with ingredient swaps and try out new pairings. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and keep exploring new recipes!

Fiery Italy Pasta Explosion

A spicy and flavorful pasta dish featuring penne, Italian sausage, and fresh spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (without casings)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the spicy Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Stir in the fresh spinach and cooked pasta until everything is well coated in the sauce and the spinach is wilted (about 2-3 minutes). Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

For an elegant finish, drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the plated pasta and sprinkle some extra red pepper flakes for added color and spice.
Keyword Italian sausage, pasta, quick meal, spicy