Sausage & Spinach Bow Tie Pasta Delight
Savor the rich flavors of our Sausage & Spinach Bow Tie Pasta Delight, a quick and satisfying one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines savory sweet Italian sausage, vibrant vegetables, and hearty bow tie pasta, all tossed together in a delightful tomato-based sauce. For a fresh twist, substitute canned tomatoes with juicy, ripe plum tomatoes—just remember to chill the sausage in the freezer for easier slicing. This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to sneak in some veggies, making it a favorite among kids and adults alike. Enjoy it topped with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
bow tie pasta
1 lb (cooked according to package directions)
sweet Italian sausage
1 1/2 lbs (cut into 1/2-inch slices)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (none)
chopped green pepper
1/2 cup (none)
diced tomatoes
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (or 2 cups chopped plum tomatoes)
oregano
1 tablespoon (dried)
shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta but do not rinse to preserve the starch, which helps the sauce adhere.
2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare your sausage. If you haven't already, place the sausage in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to firm it up for easier slicing. Afterward, slice the sausage into 1/2-inch pieces.
3
In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and brown it evenly for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. If there's excess fat, drain it carefully.
4
Lower the heat to medium and add the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper to the skillet with the browned sausage. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
5
Stir in the diced tomatoes (or fresh chopped plum tomatoes) along with the oregano. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated in the sauce and heated through.
7
Finally, sprinkle freshly shredded parmesan cheese on top, give it a light toss, and serve immediately for a heartwarming meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sausage & Spinach Bow Tie Pasta Delight?
It is a quick and satisfying one-dish meal combining sweet Italian sausage, vegetables, and bow tie pasta in a tomato-based sauce.
How long should I boil the bow tie pasta?
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente.
Should I rinse the pasta after draining it?
No, do not rinse the pasta. Preserving the starch helps the sauce adhere better to the noodles.
What is a good tip for slicing the sausage easily?
Place the sausage in the freezer for 20-30 minutes before slicing to firm it up.
What thickness should the sausage slices be?
The recipe recommends slicing the sweet Italian sausage into 1/2-inch pieces.
How long do I need to brown the sausage?
Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat for approximately 5-7 minutes.
What vegetables are included in this pasta dish?
The recipe includes chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute the canned tomatoes with 2 cups of chopped ripe plum tomatoes.
How much olive oil is required for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the garlic, onion, and green pepper for about 5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
What seasoning is used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1 tablespoon of dried oregano.
How long should the tomato mixture simmer?
Let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The dish is finished with 1/2 cup of freshly shredded parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is designed as an easy weeknight dinner that is both quick and family-friendly.
Can children enjoy this recipe?
Yes, it is described as a favorite among both kids and adults, and it is a great way to include vegetables in a meal.
What type of sausage is specified in the ingredients?
The recipe specifically uses 1 1/2 lbs of sweet Italian sausage.
How much pasta is needed?
You will need 1 lb of bow tie pasta.
Should I drain the fat from the sausage?
Yes, if there is excess fat after browning the sausage, you should drain it carefully.
At what point do I add the pasta to the skillet?
Add the drained pasta after the tomato and vegetable mixture has simmered and the flavors have melded.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as Italian comfort food.
How many cans of diced tomatoes are used?
The recipe calls for two 14 1/2 ounce cans of diced tomatoes.
What should I do after adding the pasta to the skillet?
Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated and heated through.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
What heat setting is used for browning the sausage?
Use a medium-high heat setting to brown the sausage.
When should I lower the heat to medium?
Lower the heat to medium after browning the sausage and before adding the olive oil and vegetables.
How much onion is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
How much green pepper is included?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped green pepper.
What is the final step before serving?
Sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese on top and give it a light toss.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this dish.
Can this be served immediately?
Yes, it is best served immediately for a heartwarming meal.