Smoky Sausage & Creamy Spinach Pasta

$For this recipe, you can choose between two pasta types: penne or fettuccine. Penne has a tubular shape that holds the sauce well. Fettuccine is flat and wide, offering a great texture with the creamy sauce. Both options are easy to find. You can use either based on your preference. I usually go for penne for its bite and sauce-holding abilities. You can use smoked sausage made from chicken or turkey. Both options are lighter than traditional pork sausage. Chicken sausage tends to be milder, while turkey sausage has a bit more flavor. Slice the sausages before cooking. This helps them brown nicely in the skillet. It also allows the smoky flavor to mix better with the sauce. Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich and creamy texture. It blends perfectly with the cheese. Parmesan adds a salty and nutty flavor, enhancing the dish's taste. Use freshly grated Parmesan if you can. It melts better and adds more flavor. Don’t forget the smoked paprika! It adds a hint of smokiness, tying all the flavors together. Salt and pepper balance the dish, so season to your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 8 oz of pasta, like penne or fettuccine. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite. Check the package for the right cooking time. After cooking, save ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the rest of the water and set the pasta aside. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 2 sliced smoked sausages. These can be chicken or turkey-based for a lighter dish. Cook the sausages for about 5 minutes. You want them golden brown and heated through. This step adds a nice smoky flavor to your pasta. Now it’s time to make the sauce. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 cup of fresh spinach to the skillet. Sauté these for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the garlic smells great. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir everything well and let the cheese melt. If the sauce is too thick, mix in some reserved pasta water until it reaches the right texture. Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss it well to coat the pasta in that creamy sausage sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. To cook pasta perfectly, aim for al dente. This means the pasta is firm but not hard. Start by boiling salted water. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water. Once the water boils, add your pasta. Check the package for cooking times. Taste a piece a minute or two before the time is up. It should have a slight bite. When it's ready, save some pasta water, then drain the rest. Fresh herbs add great flavor to your dish. Use parsley or basil for a fresh touch. Chop them finely before adding to the pasta. You can also try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Smoked paprika is a key spice in this recipe. It adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sausage. Don’t skip the seasoning; salt and pepper can really make a difference! Pasta water is your secret weapon for a creamy sauce. It has starch that helps thicken the sauce. If your sauce seems too thick, slowly add some reserved pasta water. Stir and watch as the sauce becomes silky and smooth. This simple trick helps achieve the perfect consistency without losing flavor. Always start with a small amount, then add more if needed. Enjoy the creamy goodness! Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: For a creamier sauce, opt for pasta shapes that can hold onto the sauce, such as fettuccine or shells. Enhance Flavor with Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley not only add a pop of color but also enhance the flavor profile of the dish. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or add more reserved pasta water to thin it out. Perfectly Cooked Sausage: Ensure the sausages are browned well to develop deeper flavors; this step is crucial for a delicious meal. {{image_2}} You can boost this dish with veggies. Broccoli adds crunch and color. Just steam or sauté it before adding. Peas bring a sweet pop to each bite. Toss them in with the sausage for a quick cook. Both options mix well with the creamy sauce. Want to switch up the protein? Try kielbasa for a different flavor. It cooks fast and pairs well with the sauce. For a plant-based option, use vegetarian sausage. It still gives that smoky taste. Both choices keep the dish hearty and satisfying. If you need gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Options like brown rice or chickpea pasta work well. They cook similarly to regular pasta. Just follow the package instructions. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry. To store leftovers, place the creamy pasta in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. This helps keep the texture nice. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, check for any signs of spoilage, like off smells or colors. If it looks and smells fine, you're good to go! You can freeze this dish for longer storage. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the pasta will expand when frozen. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. Label the container with the date, so you know when you made it. This way, you can enjoy it later without any guesswork. To reheat, the best method is using the stove. Place the creamy pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or more cream to help restore the creaminess. Stir gently to warm it up. You can also microwave it, but make sure to cover it and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to avoid hot spots. Enjoy your creamy pasta just like when you first made it! Yes, you can use different cheeses. Mozzarella or Gouda work well. They add a nice flavor. Cheddar gives a sharp taste. Experiment to find what you love best. This dish pairs great with a simple salad. A green salad freshens up the meal. Garlic bread is another tasty option. It soaks up the creamy sauce well. For drinks, try a light white wine or sparkling water. To add heat, try red pepper flakes. Stir in a teaspoon or more to the sauce. You can also add sliced jalapeños or hot sausage. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. This blog post explored key elements for making delicious creamy pasta. We discussed pasta choices like penne or fettuccine and how to select chicken or turkey sausage. I shared tips for cooking perfectly and creating a creamy sauce with heavy cream and Parmesan. You learned about flavor enhancements, veggie additions, and how to store leftovers effectively. In conclusion, you can craft a creamy pasta dish that suits your tastes. Experiment with your ingredients and techniques for the best results. Enjoy the process and make it your own!$

Smoky Sausage & Creamy Spinach Pasta

A delicious pasta dish featuring smoky sausage and creamy spinach.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
2 pieces smoked sausages, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt
to taste pepper
optional fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausages and cook until browned and heated through, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and chopped spinach. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika, stirring to combine and allowing the cheese to melt and thicken the sauce. If it's too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy sausage sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Plate the creamy pasta and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

For a lighter option, use chicken or turkey-based sausages.

Keyword creamy, pasta, sausage, spinach