Mediterranean Pasta with Sausage
Transport your taste buds to the sunny Mediterranean with this vibrant and hearty Mediterranean Pasta with Sausage. This recipe combines tender al dente penne pasta with savory Italian sausage, fresh cherry tomatoes, earthy spinach, and the briny goodness of kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes. A splash of optional dry white wine elevates the sauce with a subtle depth of flavor, while hints of garlic and red pepper flakes add a touch of aromatic spice. Finished with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan and fresh basil, this one-pan wonder is as easy as it is irresistible. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that’s bursting with bold Mediterranean flavors!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 12 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 0.5 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 0.5 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 4 quarts water (for boiling pasta)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the Italian sausage from its casing, crumble it into the skillet, and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until aromatic.
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sliced kalamata olives. Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Deglaze the pan with the dry white wine, if using, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the baby spinach. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and toss everything together. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and pour in about half of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Stir to combine.
Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired. Add more pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. Toss once more to evenly distribute the flavors.
Serve the Mediterranean Pasta with Sausage immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3197 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 144.3 g | 185% | |
| Saturated Fat | 40.7 g | 204% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 240 mg | 80% | |
| Sodium | 7173 mg | 312% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 344.5 g | 125% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 38.3 g | 137% | |
| Total Sugars | 48.9 g | ||
| Protein | 129.2 g | 258% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 954 mg | 73% | |
| Iron | 35.5 mg | 197% | |
| Potassium | 6216 mg | 132% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
