Sausage, Spinach, and Cherry Tomato Pasta Arrabiata
This easy and healthier version of Pasta Arrabiata is packed with flavor from red pepper flakes, garlic, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and lean turkey sausage.
Over here in Los Angeles, we are in the middle of a pretty brutal heat wave and I am am feeling a bit jealous of the beautiful fall weather many other parts of the country are getting. While I don't miss winter very much, I seriously miss the fall. The cooler weather, scarves, boots, apple picking, changing leaves - I love it all. And along with fall weather, I remember loving how our meals begin to switch as well. We began to crave heartier, comforting meals and finally weren't scared to turn on the oven or stand by the stove. Personally I always crave spice as well when cold weather hits. I think I like the way it really down warm you up from the inside out.
Today's recipe for Sausage, Spinach, and Cherry Tomato Pasta Arrabiata is a great meal for the beginning of fall. Warm, hearty, and spicy - it's a meal that feels comforting and cozy but is surprisingly light when it comes to a dish with pasta and sausage. The arrabiate sauce is kicked up with red pepper flakes, garlic, and Italian seasoning and made with a combination of fresh tomatoes and tomato paste. You could use any tomato and canned San Marzano tomatoes would be great if you can't find any good tomatoes. I like to add spinach at the end to work in some greens but you could also add mushrooms, broccolini, or leaves the greens out completely for a more traditional dish. Topped with fresh basil and some Parmesan or Pecorino - it's one easy and delicious meal.
Sausage, Spinach, and Cherry Tomato Pasta Arrabiata
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Ingredients
- 8 oz. high fiber pasta (or whole wheat)
- 3/4 lb. lean ground turkey sausage
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 2 U garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp. red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 cup spinach
- 1/4 cup basil
- Salt and pepper
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Instructions
(Hide Photos)Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of cooking liquid.
Meanwhile heat a pan over medium high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. This should take 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving any fat from the sausage in the pan.
Add the olive oil to the pan over medium high heat. Once hot add the garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring often, until the tomatoes begin to burst.
Turn the heat down to medium. Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and spinach to the tomatoes. Stir together until pasta is well coated with sauce. Add in the sausage and basil. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.
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