Italian Sausage Pasta with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Marinara Sauce Recipe

Looking for a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s quick and easy to whip up? Well, this Italian Sausage Pasta with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Marinara Sauce is everything you’ve been craving. Tender pasta coated in a rich marinara sauce, with juicy sausage, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach all coming together for the perfect bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a cozy hug, and trust me—everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Italian Sausage Pasta with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Marinara Sauce

Flavor Explosion: The Italian sausage brings a savory, slightly spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the sweet, tangy marinara sauce. Add in the earthiness of the mushrooms and the freshness of spinach, and you’ve got a dish that’s bursting with flavor.

One-Pot Wonder: This dish is a dream for easy cleanup! Everything is cooked together in one pot or pan, so you can enjoy the meal without the hassle of washing a ton of dishes afterward.

Quick and Easy: Despite its bold flavors, this pasta comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Customizable: Whether you like your pasta extra saucy, love a little more spice, or prefer a different kind of sausage, this recipe is super easy to adjust to suit your taste.

Crowd-Pleaser: With its hearty sausage, tender pasta, and flavorful sauce, this is the kind of meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone—whether you’re feeding the family or having friends over for dinner.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring all the flavors together in this pasta dish:

Italian Sausage:

The star of the show! Use bulk Italian sausage (either spicy or mild, depending on your preference). The sausage adds a rich, savory depth to the dish.

Mushrooms:

Sliced mushrooms add an earthy flavor and texture that perfectly complements the other ingredients.

Fresh Spinach:

For a little green goodness, fresh spinach wilts down into the sauce, adding color and freshness while balancing out the richness of the sausage.

Marinara Sauce:

A good marinara sauce is key! You can use store-bought or homemade—either way, it brings that perfect balance of tomato-y goodness.

Garlic & Onion:

The classic aromatics to kick things off, bringing layers of savory flavor to the sauce and filling the kitchen with that mouthwatering aroma.

Pasta:

Any pasta will work here—spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or whatever you have on hand. Just cook it al dente so it holds up well when tossed with the sauce.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this delicious Italian Sausage Pasta:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water for later just in case you need to thin out the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked through. Once it’s done, transfer it to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a little olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic over medium heat for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 4-5 minutes until they release their juices and become golden brown.

Step 4: Add the Sauce and Spinach

Stir in your marinara sauce and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld together. Then, toss in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts down (about 2 minutes). Stir everything together.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix it into the sauce. If the sauce is a little thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Add your cooked pasta and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated in that delicious sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your pasta hot, with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top if you like. Enjoy all the savory, comforting goodness of this dish!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450-500 (depending on portion size and specific ingredients used)

(Note: Nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Italian Sausage Pasta with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Marinara Sauce

This hearty pasta is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. You can’t go wrong with this classic combo!

Side Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a fresh, light contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Veggies: Roasted broccoli or asparagus would be a lovely side dish to balance the meal’s richness.

Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish to the dish—don’t skip it!

Additional Tips

Swap the Sausage: If you want a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage.

Spicy or Mild: Adjust the spice level by choosing spicy or mild Italian sausage, or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like it hot.

Make it Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta.

Leftovers: This pasta stores well! Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it up on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Double the Recipe: Making extra to freeze for later? This dish freezes beautifully! Just store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months and reheat when you’re ready.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Any pasta shape works here. Try penne, rigatoni, or even bow-tie pasta for a fun twist.

Q2: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A2: Yes, frozen spinach works fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce.

Q3: How do I make this spicier?
A3: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick!

Q4: Can I make this without sausage?
A4: Of course! You can substitute the sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or even skip the meat entirely and add extra veggies for a vegetarian version.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little water or broth if the sauce is too thick.

Q6: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A6: Yes! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving.

Q7: Can I freeze this dish?
A7: Yes! This pasta freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Q8: Can I add cheese to the sauce?
A8: Yes, adding some mozzarella or Parmesan to the sauce will make it extra creamy and delicious.

Q9: How do I know when the pasta is cooked?
A9: The pasta should be al dente, meaning it’s firm but not hard. Taste a piece before draining to check.

Q10: What’s the best kind of sausage to use?
A10: Italian sausage is the best for this recipe, but you can use mild or spicy depending on your preference. You can also use ground turkey sausage for a lighter option.

Conclusion

This Italian Sausage Pasta with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Marinara Sauce is the perfect cozy meal that hits all the right notes. It’s savory, satisfying, and comes together quickly, making it a fantastic option for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekends. You’ll love the combination of flavors, and it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time. So, go ahead—give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a bowl of pasta goodness!

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