Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner routine with a dish that bursts with flavor and vibrant colors? Look no further than this delectable Italian Sausage Bell Pepper Spinach Pasta! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying meal that combines the savory goodness of Italian sausage with the freshness of bell peppers and spinach, all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you're cooking for family or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table. Dive in to discover how to create this irresistible dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 Italian sausages, casings removed
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the casings from the Italian sausages and crumble the meat into the skillet.
- Cook the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until it's browned and fully cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Slice the bell pepper into thin strips and add to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the peppers start to soften but remain slightly crisp.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sausage and bell peppers. Toss to combine.
- Add fresh spinach and gently stir, allowing the residual heat to wilt the spinach leaves.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately in warm pasta bowls. Optional: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for your favorite pasta shape, but consider using penne or rigatoni, as their ridges hold onto the sauce beautifully.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the bell pepper.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add some red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage for a spicy kick.
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is a secret weapon for adjusting the sauce’s consistency. Add it gradually until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil just before serving can elevate the dish and add a touch of elegance.
- Make It Ahead: This pasta dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen it up.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
