One-Pot Italian Sausage Penne with Spinach and Tomatoes
A hearty one-pot pasta dish combining spicy Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes for a comforting meal. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs Italian sausage, casings removed, penne pasta, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (canned, undrained)
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 12 oz Italian sausage (casings removed), breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 12 oz penne pasta, 4 cups chicken broth, 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes with juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-14 minutes until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Remove lid and stir in 4 cups fresh spinach, cooking for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Step 5: Off heat, mix in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Italian Sausage Penne with Spinach and Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Penne with Spinach and Tomatoes?
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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Italian Sausage Penne with Spinach and Tomatoes?
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 Penne with Spinach and Tomatoes 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 Penne with Spinach and Tomatoes?
Italian one pot 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.
