If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that comes together in just about 30 minutes, you have to try this Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those perfect weeknight dishes that’s hearty and satisfying without any fuss. Juicy Italian sausage melds beautifully with tangy tomato and fresh spinach, all tossed with your favorite pasta, creating a dish bursting with color, texture, and vibrant flavors. Once you make this, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, yet each plays a starring role in crafting the bold, rustic flavors and pleasing textures that define this dish. From the spicy kick of the sausage to the freshness of spinach and the tang from tomato puree, every element is essential for a well-balanced pasta experience.
- Italian sausage meat (1 lb/450g): Offers rich, savory flavor and a satisfying meaty texture; choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference.
- Garlic cloves (2): Adds fragrant, aromatic depth that complements the sausage beautifully.
- Cherry tomatoes (7 oz/200g): Bring bright, juicy bursts that soften to create a luscious sauce.
- Fresh spinach (1 handful): Adds vibrant color, mild flavor, and a gentle wilt that balances the richness.
- Tomato puree (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomatoey base, giving the sauce a thicker, richer consistency.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Imparts a smoky undertone without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Cayenne pepper (½ teaspoon): Provides a subtle but warming heat that wakes up the palate.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing, it adds a silky mouthfeel and herbaceous notes.
- Chili flakes (½ teaspoon): Optional but recommended for an extra punch of spice on top.
- Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Enhances flavor and adds gentle heat.
- Farfalle pasta (4 servings): Its bow-tie shape catches the sauce wonderfully, ensuring every bite is coated.
How to Make Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta of choice—farfalle works beautifully here—until al dente according to the package instructions. Once perfectly tender, drain it and set it aside, ready to be embraced by the sauce.
Step 2: Cook the sausage and garlic
Heat the olive oil over medium in a large skillet, then add the Italian sausage meat. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it browns and cooks through. When the sausage is nearly done, toss in the chopped garlic and stir for a couple of minutes until you can smell that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen and the sausage loses its pink tint.
Step 3: Add tomatoes and spices
Next, stir in the roughly chopped cherry tomatoes, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let everything cook together for a few minutes so the tomatoes soften and release their juice, mingling with the spices and sausage to build a slightly thick, flavorful base.
Step 4: Finish the sauce
Now, mix in the tomato puree and add the fresh spinach. Stir continuously until the spinach wilts down and the sauce thickens just enough to cling to your pasta beautifully. This step enriches the sauce’s texture and layers in a lovely freshness.
Step 5: Combine pasta and sauce
Finally, add the drained pasta directly into your skillet. Toss it all together so that each bit of pasta is generously coated with the sausage and tomato sauce. Season with black pepper and sprinkle chili flakes on top to taste before serving—this last touch adds a hint of heat and visual appeal.
How to Serve Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish, consider topping it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a handful of torn fresh basil leaves. Both options add a burst of flavor and a lovely aroma that complements the spicy, savory profile of the pasta.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread. These sides add refreshing crunch or crunchy, buttery goodness, making your meal feel complete and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve the Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe in rustic bowls and garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. For a family-style meal, present the pasta in a large, shallow serving platter so everyone can dive in and enjoy the vibrant colors and inviting aroma together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making your leftovers just as delicious as the first serving.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be aware that fresh spinach can become a bit mushy after freezing, so add a little extra fresh spinach when reheating if desired.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. This helps maintain the vibrant flavors and keeps the sausage tender while warming everything through evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can swap Italian sausage with any sausage that you love, such as chorizo or bratwurst, but the flavor profile will change slightly. Just make sure it pairs well with tomato-based sauces.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to cayenne pepper and chili flakes, but you can adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less of these ingredients.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it very well first to avoid excess moisture diluting the sauce.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
While farfalle is recommended because it holds the sauce nicely, other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli would also work well for capturing the sausage and tomato flavors.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and add mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative for a similar texture and savory depth.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe truly hits all the right notes — it’s quick, hearty, flavorful, and packed with freshness. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish delivers on comfort and satisfaction like a warm kitchen hug on a plate. Give it a try soon; I promise you won’t regret making this delicious recipe a part of your dinner repertoire!
Print
Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A vibrant and hearty Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta that’s perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. This recipe blends juicy Italian sausage with fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a spicy tomato sauce, tossed with your favorite pasta for a deliciously satisfying dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Sausage and Sauce
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage meat (mild or spicy)
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
- 7 oz (200g) cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 handful fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Pasta
- 4 servings pasta (we used farfalle)
- Salt (for pasta water)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the sausage and garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and sauté until it is nearly cooked through. Then add the roughly chopped garlic cloves, continuing to cook until fragrant and the sausage is no longer pink.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in the roughly chopped cherry tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Allow the mixture to cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften and the flavors meld well with the sausage.
- Finish the sauce: Mix in 2 tablespoons of tomato puree and add a handful of fresh spinach. Stir continuously until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the sausage and tomato sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. Season with ½ teaspoon black pepper and sprinkle chili flakes on top to taste before serving.
Notes
- Italian sausage can be mild or spicy depending on your heat preference.
- Use fresh spinach for a vibrant flavor and texture; baby spinach can be used as an alternative.
- Adjust cayenne pepper and chili flakes to manage the spice level.
- Farfalle pasta works great, but penne or rigatoni also pair well.
- For a creamier variation, add a splash of cream or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
