Craving a quick, mouthwatering Italian dinner that'll have your family begging for seconds? Get ready to transform your weeknight meal with this irresistible Angel Hair Pasta with Sausage and Spinach! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that combines the spicy kick of Italian sausage, delicate angel hair pasta, and nutritious spinach - proving that gourmet cooking doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While the water is heating, remove the casings from the Italian sausage by slicing them open and crumbling the meat out.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until it's browned and cooked through (approximately 6-8 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Once the water is boiling, add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 3-4 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with the sausage. Toss to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet and gently stir, allowing the heat to wilt the spinach (about 1-2 minutes).
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit more reserved pasta water.
- Serve hot, garnishing each plate with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- • For the most flavorful result, use fresh Italian sausage and remove the casings completely before cooking. • Don't overcook the angel hair pasta - it only needs 3-4 minutes to reach perfect al dente texture. • Reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchy quality helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. • Use fresh spinach and add it at the last minute to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients. • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for the most robust flavor - pre-grated cheese can't compare! • If you like extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. • For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage instead of traditional Italian sausage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
