Simple Italian Skillet Dinner
Transform weeknight dinners with this one-pan wonder: Simple Italian Skillet Dinner. Bursting with rustic Mediterranean flavors, this hearty dish combines savory Italian sausage, tender penne pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, red bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. A generous handful of baby spinach adds freshness, while melted Parmesan cheese lends a creamy finish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy skillet recipe is perfect for busy evenings, offering the comfort of a homemade Italian meal without the fuss. Garnish with fresh basil for a touch of elegance, and pair it with crusty bread or a crisp side salad for a complete family-friendly dinner.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces dried penne pasta
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- as needed fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess grease if necessary.
Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the dried penne pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid.
Simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the baby spinach a handful at a time until wilted.
Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese over the skillet and mix gently.
Remove from heat and let the skillet rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
738 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.4 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.8 g | 69% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 91 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 2082 mg | 91% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61.7 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.8 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.1 g | ||
| Protein | 34.0 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 275 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 4.6 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 979 mg | 21% | |
*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.
