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To truly appreciate the Savory Italian Sausage Pasta Skillet, it's essential to understand the role each ingredient plays in creating its signature flavor profile. Each component is chosen not only for taste but also for nutritional value, ensuring that your meal is both delicious and satisfying.

Savory Italian Sausage Pasta Skillet

Discover the ultimate weeknight dinner with this Savory Italian Sausage Pasta Skillet recipe. This one-pan marvel is quick to prepare and packed with robust flavors that bring the family together. Featuring delicious Italian sausage, penne pasta, fresh vegetables, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, this dish is wholesome and satisfying. Perfect for busy evenings, it combines ease of cooking with nutrition, ensuring your loved ones enjoy every bite. Enjoy a taste of Italy in your home!

Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

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

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

2 cups fresh spinach

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Brown the Sausage: In a spacious skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage. Using a spatula, break the sausage into small, bite-sized pieces. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside, leaving any drippings in the pan for flavor.

      Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Next, incorporate the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender.

        Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including the juices, as well as the cooked penne pasta and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

          Add Spinach: Gently fold in the fresh spinach, cooking until it's wilted, which should take about 2 minutes. If you're looking to add a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes at this stage. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to your preference.

            Finish with Cheese: Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss everything until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish.

              Serve: Plate the pasta skillet and garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish. Serve immediately while hot, with extra Parmesan on the side for those who love cheese.

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