Introduction
This Italian Sausage Pasta with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Tomato Sauce is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—hearty, healthy, and full of Italian flavor. The best part? No cream, no cheese, and no complicated steps.
In just 30 minutes, you’ll be serving up al dente pasta tossed with savory sausage, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich tomato base, all brightened up with fresh spinach. It’s a flexible and comforting dish that’ll make it into your regular dinner rotation.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fast and fuss-free – One pan, one pot, and done in 30.
- Dairy-free by default – No cheese or cream, but still deeply satisfying.
- Full of texture and flavor – Crumbled sausage, silky mushrooms, and just-wilted spinach.
- Totally customizable – Add your favorite herbs, or switch up the pasta shape.
Want something refreshing to sip with it? Pair it with Blueberry Lemonade. And for dessert? We’ve got you covered below.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned—about 6–8 minutes.
3️⃣ Sauté the Veggies
Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until fragrant.
Stir in the mushrooms and cook until soft and browned—about 5 minutes more.
4️⃣ Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavor.
5️⃣ Add Spinach
Stir in the spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until just wilted.
6️⃣ Combine & Serve
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Stir well to combine and heat through.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, topped with fresh basil if desired.
Tips for Success
- No cheese, no problem – The sausage and tomato combo is bold enough on its own.
- Make it spicier – Use hot Italian sausage or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Bulk it up – Add diced zucchini, bell peppers, or olives for extra veggies.
- Short on time? Pre-sliced mushrooms and pre-washed spinach speed things up.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with:
- 🥤 Blueberry Lemonade – sweet and citrusy to contrast the savory.
- 🌮 Walking Taco Bar – a fun, build-your-own meal to feed a crowd.
- 🍽️ Sheet Pan Quesadillas – another quick crowd-pleaser.
- 🍪 No-Bake Monster Cookie Balls – for a protein-packed sweet bite.
- 🍫 Brownie Bombs – because chocolate is always the right answer.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave in 1-minute intervals, or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water.
- Meal Prep: This pasta holds up well for make-ahead lunches or dinners.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Walking Taco Bar
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- No-Bake Monster Cookie Balls
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs
Final Thoughts
With just 10 ingredients and no dairy, this Italian Sausage Pasta proves that simple can still be sensational. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t need cream or cheese to taste amazing.
Tried it? Let us know your favorite add-ins or share your own twist. For more fast dinners and weeknight wins, follow along at ChefManiac!
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