Sausage and Spinach Pasta Delight A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, perfect for a cozy dinner. Ingredients 1 lb. Italian Sausage 1 small onion finely chopped 3 cloves garlic minced 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon crushed rosemary 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper 12 ounces uncooked penne or 2 packages of precooked microwaveable pasta, 8.5 oz each 3/4 cup chicken broth 1 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream 2/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for topping 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes julienne cut packed in oil drained 4-5 cups baby spinach Salt and pepper to taste Instructions On medium heat, brown the Italian sausage for 3-4 minutes, crumbling the meat as it cooks. Add the onion and continue cooking until the sausage is browned and the onions are soft, another few minutes. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the garlic, oregano, fennel seeds, black pepper, rosemary, thyme leaves, and crushed red pepper, cooking for 1 minute. Remove the sausage mixture and keep warm. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain well. If using pre-cooked pasta, wait until the sauce has reduced before microwaving. Add the chicken broth to the skillet and scrape up any brown bits. Pour in the heavy cream, bring to a boil, and reduce by half on a low simmer (about 10 minutes). Turn the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the spinach is wilted. Add the sausage mixture and pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Notes Make ahead: Cook sausage, onion, and herb mixture and refrigerate. Reduce broth and whip cream mixture and refrigerate. Rewarm the sausage mixture in the microwave when ready to finish the recipe. Pour cream sauce into a large skillet, return to a low simmer, and proceed with the recipe, adding Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach before adding pasta and sausage.

















