One-Pot Italian Sausage and Penne with Spinach

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty one-pot meal combining spicy Italian sausage with tender penne pasta and fresh spinach, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. This italian-inspired meal prep ready in about 35 minutes pairs Italian sausage links, penne pasta, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 12 oz sliced Italian sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and 14 oz undrained diced tomatoes, then stir in 12 oz penne pasta and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 4 cups chopped fresh spinach and cook for 2 more minutes until wilted.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Italian Sausage and Penne with Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Italian Sausage and Penne with Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep italian sausage links from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Italian Sausage and Penne with Spinach?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pot Italian Sausage and Penne with Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pot Italian Sausage and Penne with Spinach?

Italian meal prep like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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