One-Pan Sausage and Spinach Pasta on a plate

Pasta · Easy

One-Pan Sausage and Spinach Pasta

This one-pan sausage and spinach pasta cooks entirely in a single skillet, from browning the sausage to simmering the pasta right in the sauce. It's a fast, flavorful dinner with minimal cleanup.

10Prep min
20Cook min
30Total min
  • 1 lbItalian sausage, casings removed
  • 1/2 cupyellow onion, diced
  • 3 clovesgarlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz)crushed tomatoes
  • 1.5 cupschicken broth
  • 12 ozpenne pasta, uncooked
  • 3 cupsbaby spinach
  • 1/2 cupgrated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon, optionalred pepper flakes
  • to tastesalt and black pepper
  1. 1In a large deep skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up, until browned, about 6-7 minutes.
  2. 2Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. 3Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, and stir in the uncooked pasta.
  4. 4Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 14-16 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
  5. 5Stir in the spinach until wilted, then fold in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.
  6. 6Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

Make it yours

  • Use turkey sausage for a lighter version.
  • Add mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
  • Swap spinach for kale.

Good with

  • Crusty bread
  • A simple green salad
  • Extra Parmesan on top

Good questions, answered.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, rotini, ziti, or farfalle all work well in this one-pan dish.

Can I make this ahead?

It's best fresh, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.