Savor the comforting flavors of "Sausage Beans and Spinach with Macaroni," a hearty one-pan recipe that combines tender macaroni, savory Italian sausage, creamy cannellini beans, and nutrient-packed spinach into a symphony of irresistible taste. Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick dish comes together in under 35 minutes and is bursting with bold yet balanced flavors, thanks to aromatic garlic, onion, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. The rich combination of protein and pasta satisfies cravings while delivering wholesome goodness in every bite. Whether you opt for spicy or mild sausage, this recipe is easily customizable to suit your family’s preferences. Serve it hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, for a soul-warming meal everyone will love.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet or saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Remove the cooked sausage with a slotted spoon and set it on a plate lined with paper towels.
Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the cannellini beans to the skillet and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until wilted. Return the cooked sausage to the pan and mix well.
Stir in the cooked macaroni, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the dish. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Calories |
2858 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 123.8 g | 159% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.0 g | 205% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 264 mg | 88% | |
| Sodium | 6680 mg | 290% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 305.1 g | 111% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.3 g | 115% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.2 g | ||
| Protein | 130.7 g | 261% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1080 mg | 83% | |
| Iron | 20.5 mg | 114% | |
| Potassium | 3574 mg | 76% | |
*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.