Sausage & Spinach Pasta Skillet: A One-Pan Weeknight Wonder

If you’re searching for a comforting, flavor-packed, and easy dinner, look no further than this Sausage & Spinach Pasta Skillet. It’s the kind of meal that feels like something you’d order at a cozy Italian bistro, yet it comes together in under 40 minutes using just one pan. That means fewer dishes, less cleanup, and more time to enjoy a hearty, satisfying bowl of pasta.

This recipe is built on simple ingredients that work in perfect harmony: savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, garlicky sautéed onions, vibrant spinach, and a silky sauce that coats every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family, your partner, or just yourself after a long day, this dish delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.

Let’s dive into what makes this skillet pasta such a standout.

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Why You’ll Love This Sausage & Spinach Pasta Skillet

There are hundreds of pasta recipes out there, but this one earns a permanent spot in your rotation. Here’s why:

• One-pan magic: Everything cooks in a single skillet—less mess, more flavor.
• Fast and weeknight-friendly: From start to finish in about 35 minutes.
• Balanced and satisfying: Protein from sausage, greens from spinach, and carbs from pasta.
• Customizable: Easy to make spicy, creamy, or dairy-free.
• Restaurant-quality taste: Rich, savory, and deeply comforting.

This isn’t just another pasta recipe—it’s a reliable go-to that feels indulgent without being complicated.

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Ingredients

Use fresh, quality ingredients for the best flavor.

• 12 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 10 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: extra Parmesan, chili flakes, fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
2. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned and fully cooked. Remove excess grease if needed.
3. Stir in the diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
4. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add dry pasta and chicken broth. Stir well.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. When pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan.
8. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot with extra cheese or herbs.

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Tips for Perfect Skillet Pasta

• Don’t overcook the pasta. Keep it al dente so it holds texture.
• Use fresh spinach. It wilts quickly and keeps the dish bright.
• Brown the sausage well. That caramelization adds depth.
• Stir occasionally. Prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

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Delicious Variations

• Creamy Tomato Version: Add ½ cup crushed tomatoes with the broth.
• Mushroom Lover’s: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the onion.
• Cheesy Bake: Transfer to oven dish, top with mozzarella, broil 3 minutes.
• Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and extra chili flakes.

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Serving Suggestions

This skillet pasta is rich and hearty on its own, but you can elevate the meal with:

• Garlic bread
• Simple arugula salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Sparkling water or light red wine

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Cultural Notes & Fun Facts

Sausage and pasta is a classic Italian-American combination. While traditional Italian dishes often use simple sauces, American adaptations embrace creamy, skillet-style comfort meals—perfect for busy households.

Spinach adds a nutritional boost with iron and vitamins A and C, balancing the richness of the sausage and cream.

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Final Thoughts

This Sausage & Spinach Pasta Skillet is the kind of recipe that saves your weeknights. It’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Once you make it, it’s guaranteed to become part of your regular dinner rotation.