Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta, generously coated with a luxurious cream sauce, studded with savory Italian sausage and vibrant spinach, and sprinkled with rich, nutty asiago cheese. This isn't just another pasta dish—it's a culinary journey that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this restaurant-quality recipe that's surprisingly simple to make!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup asiago cheese, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add cavatappi pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.
- Cook sausage until browned and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes, ensuring no pink remains.
- Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the sausage. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with sausage and creating a rich sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Drain pasta and add directly to the skillet with sausage and spinach mixture. Toss to combine thoroughly.
- Sprinkle shredded asiago cheese over the pasta, stirring to melt and create a creamy coating. If sauce seems thick, add reserved pasta water.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
- Plate the pasta, garnishing with additional asiago cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining—its starchy goodness helps create a silky, clingy sauce.
- Use fresh, high-quality Italian sausage for the most robust flavor.
- Don't overcook the spinach; it should just wilt to maintain its bright green color and nutrients.
- Grate your asiago cheese fresh for maximum melting and flavor.
- Use a large skillet to ensure even cooking and easy mixing of ingredients.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, opt for hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 680kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 44g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 125mg
