One-Pot Penne with Sausage and Spinach in Tomato Sauce
A hearty one-pot pasta dish with spicy sausage, tender spinach, and penne cooked in a rich homemade tomato sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, casings removed Italian sausage links, small, diced yellow onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz, casings removed Italian sausage links
- 1 small, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz (1 can) crushed tomatoes
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated, for serving Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 12 oz Italian sausage (remove casings and crumble) and cook for 5 minutes until browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 small diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 12 oz dry penne pasta, and 2 1/2 cups chicken broth. Stir in 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Stir in 3 cups fresh baby spinach and cook uncovered for 2 more minutes until spinach wilts.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Penne with Sausage and Spinach in Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Penne with Sausage and Spinach in Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Penne with Sausage and Spinach in Tomato Sauce?
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 Penne with Sausage and Spinach in Tomato Sauce 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 Penne with Sausage and Spinach in Tomato Sauce?
Italian pasta 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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