Savor rich Italian sausage with creamy tomato sauce, parmesan, and herbs, tossed with pasta for hearty comfort.
# Components:
→ Proteins
01 - 14 oz Italian sausage, mild or spicy, casings removed
→ Pasta
02 - 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
→ Vegetables and Aromatics
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 5 oz baby spinach, optional
→ Sauce Components
06 - 1 2/3 cups canned crushed tomatoes
07 - 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
08 - 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
12 - Salt, to taste
13 - Black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
14 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, optional
15 - Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the pasta.
02 - While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes.
03 - Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and sauté until softened, approximately 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
04 - Incorporate the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
06 - If using, add the baby spinach to the sauce and allow it to wilt.
07 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
