When I first tried making Spicy Rosé Sausage Spinach Penne, I was amazed at how little time it took to create such a flavorful and satisfying dish. This recipe combines the rich flavor of spicy Italian sausage with the creamy texture of a rosé sauce, all tied together with the freshness of spinach. It’s the perfect balance of heat and creaminess, perfect for a cozy dinner.
The combination of penne with a rosé sauce is truly magical, bringing together the heartiness of pasta with the smooth, velvety taste of a cream and tomato blend. The addition of Italian sausage adds a kick of spice, while the spinach not only adds color but also a hint of earthiness that balances the dish.
Every time I make this pasta, it reminds me why I love cooking. The steps are straightforward, making it a recipe anyone can handle, yet it delivers on taste like a much more complex dish. You won’t have to compromise on flavor to enjoy a quick and easy meal, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. These flavors will keep you coming back for more.
Why You Will Love Spicy Rose Sausage Spinach Penne
I absolutely enjoy making this Spicy Rose Sausage Spinach Penne because it’s a perfect easy dinner recipe. The combination of flavors from the spicy sausage and tomato cream sauce makes every bite delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to have a comfort food that feels both hearty and satisfying.
Whenever I’m pressed for time on a busy night, this dish is a go-to weeknight dinner. The best part is it takes under 20 minutes to prepare, making it one of my favorite pasta recipes. It’s fantastic when I have just a few ingredients in my pantry.
Another reason I love this pasta recipe is the balanced blend of penne rosa, spinach, and sausage, which provides all the nutrients I need. Adding spinach gives an extra boost of vitamins, making this dish healthy as well as tasty. Whenever I serve it, my family enjoys every last bite.
I also find the versatility of this dish appealing. You can tweak the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of sausage or adding more red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Experimenting with these flavors means I can make it just right every time—an absolute win for a simple, flavorful weeknight dinner.
How To Make Spicy Rose Sausage Spinach Penne
Creating Spicy Rose Sausage Spinach Penne involves combining penne pasta with Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce. This dish balances flavors with garlic and red pepper flakes for a little kick, and it’s topped with grated parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
To make this flavorful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Penne Pasta: 300g
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Italian Sausage: 250g, crumbled
- Fresh Spinach: 100g
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
Gather these ingredients to prepare this dish for a delicious meal experience.
Instruments
Essential cooking instruments include:
- Large Pot: For boiling penne pasta.
- Medium Skillet: For cooking sausage and combining ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring.
- Colander: For draining pasta.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping garlic.
- Grater: For grating parmesan cheese.
Having these tools ready ensures a smooth cooking process, helping me focus on perfecting the dish’s flavors.
Step By Step Instruction
- Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain with a colander and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add fresh spinach, cooking until wilted. Mix in the cooked penne pasta.
- Season with salt, and finish by grating parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve immediately, while ensuring all ingredients are well combined for optimal taste.
This step-by-step guide helps me prepare the dish easily, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredient Substitute
When making Spicy Rosé Sausage Spinach Penne, one might need to find substitutes for some ingredients. It’s simple to switch from penne to other pasta types like rigatoni or even farfalle. If you want to change up the protein, try using different types of sausage or even ground turkey.
For the creaminess, if heavy cream is not available, half and half or heavy whipping cream can work just as well. Whipping cream might also be a good choice for an extra rich texture.
If fresh tomatoes aren’t on hand, canned diced tomatoes or a rich creamy tomato sauce can replace them easily. In place of marinara sauce, a good-quality spaghetti sauce or even a homemade tomato sauce could be used for a slightly different but still delicious taste.
Baby spinach can be replaced with regular spinach. In some cases, even kale might work to add a green touch to your dish.
For added flavor, if you don’t have parmesan cheese, try using another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano. Fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma, but if it’s unavailable, dried basil or a pinch of pine nuts adds another layer of flavor.
Switching out or adding peppers and mushrooms can give the dish extra layers of taste. This way, you can adjust based on what’s in your pantry, ensuring your meal is just as satisfying.
What To Serve With Spicy Rose Sausage Spinach Penne
When I enjoy Spicy Rose Sausage Spinach Penne, I like to pair it with a few tasty sides. This dish has bold flavors, so it’s nice to have side dishes that balance it out.
Garlic Bread is a classic pairing. The crunchy, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. I love how the garlicky taste complements the spices in the penne. It’s an easy-to-make addition that can be ready in minutes.
For those looking for a protein boost, Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a great choice. The crispy crust and cheesy flavor blend well with the penne, offering a satisfying protein option that elevates the meal.
For a lighter option, consider a fresh, green salad. A simple mix of lettuce, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes with a light vinaigrette refreshes the palate. This works well if you’re aiming for a meatless meal feel.
If you prefer a more substantial side dish, try roasted vegetables. A mix of carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini adds a pop of color and nutrition, offering a tasty contrast to the creamy pasta.
Inspiration can also come from visiting places like Noodles and Company for serving ideas. They often offer creative sides that can spark ideas for your meal.
How To Store Spicy Rosé Sausage Spinach Penne
When I have leftovers of my delicious Spicy Rosé Sausage Spinach Penne, it’s key to store them properly to keep the flavors fresh. First, I let the pasta cool completely. This is important to avoid excess moisture and condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
Once cooled, I transfer the Spicy Penne into an airtight container. This helps preserve the taste and prevents any other odors from invading the pasta. I usually use a shallow container, which allows the meal to chill quickly in the fridge.
In the refrigerator, the Spicy Rosé Penne will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If I’m not planning to enjoy it soon, I freeze it. I place the pasta in a freezable container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
Before sealing, I remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. When I’m ready to eat my stored pasta, I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to avoid overcooking the spinach and sausage. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help retain the creamy texture.
Is Spicy Rose Sausage Spinach Penne Healthy
I consider the Spicy Rose Sausage Spinach Penne to be a flavorful and hearty dish. It offers a mix of nutrients from its key ingredients. Let me break down some of the nutritional aspects.
The inclusion of spinach provides a boost of vitamins such as A and C as well as iron and folate. It’s one of my favorite leafy greens for adding nutrients without a lot of calories.
Sausage in the dish adds rich flavor, but be mindful of its protein and fat content. Choosing lean sausage varieties can help cut back on saturated fats while still providing the necessary protein boost.
The penne pasta acts as a carbohydrate source, giving energy. Opting for whole grain penne can increase fiber content, which aids in digestion and helps me feel fuller longer.
Rosé sauce combines creaminess with flavor, thanks to its tomatoes and cream. While tomatoes offer antioxidants, it’s important to moderate cream due to high fat content. Using a light cream can help.
Spicy elements like crushed red pepper can actually have metabolic benefits, although they should be adjusted based on personal spice tolerance.
Balancing these ingredients while considering portion size can support a well-rounded meal. When I look at this dish, integrating healthy swaps like lean meats, light cream, and whole grains can improve its overall nutritional profile.
Nutrition Fact In List Form
When I make my Spicy Rose Sausage Spinach Penne, I like to keep track of the nutritional content.
Here’s a list of some of the main ingredients and their estimated calories per serving:
- Penne Pasta: 232 calories for about 2.21 oz
- Spaghetti Sauce: Approximately 104 calories per 0.58 cup
- Italian Sausage (pork): About 49 calories for 0.17 link (4/lb)
- Parmesan Cheese: 27 calories for 0.06 cup
- Mushrooms: 5 calories for 0.33 cup
These numbers are a guideline and can vary slightly depending on exact measurements and brands.
For protein, the Italian sausage and cheese really pack a punch, while the spinach adds a nice touch of vitamins.
The overall caloric intake might differ based on portion size and modifications you make to the ingredients.
If you are using different pasta or sauce, make sure to check the packaging for precise nutritional information.
Sometimes I switch up the tomato sauce brands, so I adjust my counts accordingly.
I find that using fresh ingredients helps to get a more accurate measure of nutrients, and it also enhances the taste.
Keeping an eye on serving sizes makes it easier to balance meals throughout the day.
Spicy Rosé Sausage Spinach Penne
Equipment
- Large pot
- Medium Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- colander
- Knife and cutting board
- Grater
Ingredients
- Penne Pasta: 300g
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced
- Italian Sausage: 250g crumbled
- Fresh Spinach: 100g
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
Instructions
- Boil penne pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook garlic until fragrant.
- Add sausage, cook until browned.
- Stir in red pepper flakes and heavy cream, let thicken.
- Add spinach, cook until wilted.
- Combine with pasta, season with salt, and top with Parmesan.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: ~20g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~3g
- Sodium: ~800mg
