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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning I love starting with these main ingredients. They create a base for this dish. Penne pasta cooks nicely and holds the sauce well. Italian sausage brings warmth and a rich flavor. Olive oil adds a smooth touch and helps with cooking. Next, we have the aromatics and vegetables. Onion brings sweetness, while garlic packs a punch. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. I always recommend using fresh spinach for the best taste. Now, let’s talk about flavor enhancers. Diced tomatoes add acidity and richness. Chicken broth gives depth and moisture. Italian seasoning ties everything together with its blend of herbs. It’s a delight to use these simple ingredients. They make this one-pot meal easy and full of flavor. To start, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add one pound of Italian sausage. Break the sausage apart with a spoon. Cook it until it is browned and fully cooked, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step adds a rich flavor to your dish. Next, add one medium onion that you have diced. Sauté the onion for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want it to become soft and translucent. Then, stir in three cloves of minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about one minute until it smells great. This mix of sausage, onion, and garlic builds a strong base for your pasta. Now it’s time to bring in the liquids. Pour in one can of undrained diced tomatoes. Then, add four cups of chicken broth. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of Italian seasoning and, if you like some heat, half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, it's time for the pasta. Stir in twelve ounces of penne pasta. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook it for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the pasta to be al dente and most of the liquid absorbed. When the pasta is cooked, add two cups of fresh spinach. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts. This adds a nice pop of color and nutrients. Lower the heat and mix in half a cup of heavy cream and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is creamy and well combined. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Serve it warm and enjoy! - Optimal heat settings: Start cooking on medium heat. This helps the sausage brown well. Once you add the liquids, reduce heat to a simmer. This cooks the pasta perfectly without burning it. - Stirring methods: Stir the pasta gently while it cooks. This prevents it from sticking together. Use a wooden spoon to mix in the sausage and veggies. This adds flavor to the pasta. - Sausage variations: You can use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter meal. For a spicy kick, try chorizo or andouille sausage. Adjust spices to fit your taste. - Dairy-free options: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. This keeps it rich without dairy. Nutritional yeast can also replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. - Garnishing ideas: Add fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese makes it look gourmet. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil for shine. - Serving suggestions with sides: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls. Pair it with crusty bread for scooping up the sauce. A simple green salad can add freshness to the meal. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your One Pot Tuscan Sausage Pasta by picking different sausages. - Spicy sausage brings heat. The red pepper flakes add more spice too. - Mild sausage gives a soft taste. It’s great for kids or those who avoid spice. You can also mix in seasonal vegetables. For summer, try zucchini or bell peppers. In winter, add kale or butternut squash. These veggies add color and nutrients. For those who need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free penne pasta. It cooks well and holds the sauce nicely. Just check the package for cooking times. If you want a vegan dish, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for creaminess. Omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative. To give your dish a new flair, try adding pesto. Stir it in before serving for a fresh, herbaceous taste. Sun-dried tomatoes can also add a rich, tangy flavor. You can experiment with Mediterranean spices too. Try adding oregano, thyme, or even a dash of cumin. These spices can elevate your dish and make it feel unique. To store your One Pot Tuscan Sausage Pasta, let it cool first. You want to avoid steam in the container. Use an airtight container for the best results. This keeps your pasta fresh and tasty. Place it in the fridge within two hours after cooking. It will stay good for up to three days. If you want to freeze your pasta, follow these steps. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer your pasta to a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as you can. This keeps freezer burn away. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Heat it in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce. Stir often until hot. Enjoy your delicious meal, even after freezing! For Tuscan pasta, I recommend using Italian sausage. You can choose between mild or spicy sausage. Mild sausage gives a rich flavor without too much heat. Spicy sausage adds a nice kick, perfect for those who like bold tastes. Look for sausage that has no casings, as it will break apart easily in the dish. Fresh sausage is best, but you can also use pre-cooked sausage for quicker meals. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the pasta and store it in the fridge for up to three days. To keep it fresh, store the sauce separately if possible. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat the pasta in a saucepan. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the creaminess. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal without any fuss. If you overcook your pasta, don’t worry! You can fix it. First, add a bit of olive oil or butter to the pasta. This will help separate the noodles. Next, mix in some extra sauce or broth. This will add moisture and flavor. If it's too mushy, try blending it into a sauce for a different dish. Remember, cooking it al dente next time will give you the best texture! This blog post covers everything you need for a delicious Tuscan pasta dish. You learned about key ingredients like Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and pasta. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you make a tasty meal. Tips for cooking, ingredient swaps, and presentation ideas add depth. You can even explore variations and storage methods to enhance your cooking experience. Embrace your creativity in the kitchen while enjoying this flavorful dish. Happy cooking!

One Pot Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Savor a delightful meal with our One Pot Tuscan Sausage Pasta! This easy-to-make dish combines Italian sausage, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach all in one pot for a delicious and hearty dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and 30 minutes, you can treat your family to a flavorful meal. Ready to impress at your next dinner? Click through to explore the full recipe and bring Tuscan flavors to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

4 cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

2 cups fresh spinach

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

    Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

      Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.

        Stir in the penne pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

          Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.

            Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

              Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for a colorful finish. Enjoy with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal!