One-Pot Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage, mild or hot
• 1 medium Onion
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 28 oz Crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups Chicken broth
• 12 oz Dried pasta (penne or rotini)
• 5 oz Baby spinach
• ½ cup Heavy cream (optional)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• ½ tsp Salt
• ¼ tsp Black pepper
• ½ tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)

Steps

1. Remove sausage from casings (if applicable) and crumble. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Add dried pasta, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
5. Stir in baby spinach until wilted. If desired, stir in heavy cream for a richer sauce.
6. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.