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Sausage Pasta with Spinach – A quick, comforting pasta made with Italian sausage, tender spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce that comes together in one pan.
This sausage pasta with spinach is a go-to when I want something comforting but still doable on a weeknight. It’s creamy without feeling heavy, packed with spicy Italian sausage, and finished with spinach that melts right into the sauce.
The whole thing comes together fast, which makes it perfect for nights when you’re hungry now but still want real, satisfying food.
This is a great recipe to keep in your back pocket: flexible, reliable, and just indulgent enough to feel special on an otherwise ordinary night. If creamy pasta with bold flavor and minimal effort is your thing, this one earns a spot on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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- Short-Cut Pasta – really any shape works great!
- Italian Sausage – I like to use spicy sausage, but you can use mild or sweet if you prefer.
- Garlic
- Heavy Cream
- Chicken Broth
- Parmesan Cheese
- Italian Seasoning
- Spinach – Fresh spinach is best, but you can use frozen if that is what you have. Just make sure to really squeeze all of the liquid out after it thaws.
Creamy Sausage Spinach Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Short Cut Pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 5 ounce Spinach, Roughly chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to the package directions.12 ounces Short Cut Pasta
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add sausage, garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the sausage is no longer pink, breaking apart into small pieces.1 pound Italian sausage, 2 cloves Garlic
- Add in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until it starts to thicken.1 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Stir in spinach, until wilted.5 ounce Spinach
- Add in the cooked pasta and mix until everything is well combined. Serve topped with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How To Make Sausage Pasta with Spinach
- Cook the Pasta – Boil the pasta until just tender, then drain and set aside while the sauce comes together.
- Brown the Sausage – Cook the sausage with garlic in a large skillet, breaking it up until browned and cooked through.
- Build the Sauce – Pour in the cream, broth, seasoning, and Parmesan, letting everything simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add the Spinach – Stir in the spinach and cook just until wilted into the sauce.
- Combine & Serve – Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce until evenly coated, then finish with extra Parmesan.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Salt the Pasta Water – Well-seasoned water helps the pasta hold its own against the rich sauce.
- Choose the Right Sausage – Mild or hot Italian sausage both work, depending on how much heat you want.
- Add Spinach Last – Stir it in at the end so it wilts but stays bright and tender.
- Reserve Pasta Water – A splash of the starchy water can loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
- Swap the Greens – Baby kale or arugula can be used instead of spinach if that’s what you have.
- Finish with Extra Cheese – A final sprinkle of Parmesan adds richness and helps the sauce cling to the pasta
What To Serve With Spinach Pasta
Short-cut pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini works well because the sauce clings to the ridges and holds the sausage and spinach.
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Let it simmer a bit longer and avoid high heat to keep it smooth.
I love that you used four different kinds of pasta. I’m always trying to creatively put together what needs to be used up in my pantry and fridge and have used multiple kinds of pasta in one dish. Why not?! This recipe looks perfect for a cold winter’s night.
I LOVE using up what I have left in the pantry – an this is a delicious way to do that
This is the perfect way to get back in the groove of things!
That is the perfect weeknight meal. It’s so easy and so good!
This looks like the perfect meal to have through the week. I just know my family is going to love it!
Such a fantastic weeknight meal! My family would love it!
I love how easy and incredibly delicious this is! The perfect weeknight meal!!
Pasta is always a favorite in our house! I can’t wait to make it for my family!
This is so simple and flavorful! We will definitely make it again!