30-Minute Italian Sausage Pasta
This 30-Minute Italian Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender pasta is tossed with savory Italian sausage, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach, all coated in a rich marinara sauce. This recipe is dairy-free, featuring no cream or cheese, yet packed with bold Italian flavors. Ready in just half an hour, it’s a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal that’s easy to customize. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this pasta dish is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
300g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
250g Italian sausage (casing removed, crumbled)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
200g mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
150g fresh spinach leaves
1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the crumbled Italian sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through (5-7 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed.
Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant (2 minutes). Add sliced mushrooms and cook until softened (5 minutes).
Combine Ingredients:
Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted (1-2 minutes).
Stir in marinara sauce, red chili flakes, and dried oregano. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Mix Pasta and Serve:
Add cooked pasta and sausage to the skillet. Toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve warm.
Notes:
Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
For more veggies, add bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
Use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
Tips:
Save some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add extra flavor when garnished.
Double the recipe for meal prep; it stores well in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving):
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: ~400
Protein: ~20g
Carbs: ~50g
Fats: ~12g
Fiber: ~5g
Benefits:
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
Dairy-Free: Suitable for lactose intolerance.
High Protein: From sausage and spinach.
Rich in Vitamins: Spinach provides Vitamin K, A, and iron.
Customizable: Add or substitute ingredients to taste.
Q&A:
1. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Replace sausage with plant-based alternatives or sautéed lentils for a protein boost.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best to freeze the sauce separately and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
4. What other sauces can I use?
Try a garlic olive oil sauce or roasted red pepper sauce for a variation.
5. Is it spicy?
It’s mildly spicy due to red chili flakes. Adjust to your preference.