Penne Pasta with Sausage and Greens
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
7 1.5 cups each
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Calories
42633 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Penne Pasta with Sausage and Greens
Description
Penne Pasta with Sausage and Greens begins by boiling penne pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, Italian sausage links are browned whole, then sliced into medallions. Garlic and onion are sautéed in the drippings to build flavor. The sausage is returned to the pot and cooked through. A tomato sauce is made from crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, salt, pepper, and brown sugar to add sweetness, simmering with the sausage to meld flavors. Frozen broccoli and spinach are incorporated to add texture, nutrients, and a subtle earthiness.
The combination of savory sausage, aromatic garlic and onion, and fresh herbs balances the acidity of the tomato sauce. The brown sugar tempers the tomato’s tartness and enhances the overall flavor profile. The penne pasta’s tubular shape holds the sauce well. Adding feta cheese before serving introduces a salty, creamy contrast and a bright tang, complementing the hearty sauce and pasta.
The recipe is adaptable with pasta type and quantities. Using whole wheat pasta is an option without major changes to preparation. The dish offers a wholesome, one-pot meal combining protein, vegetables, and starch that works well for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. penne pasta $1.49
- 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.16
- 3 links Italian sausage $2.99, about 12 oz
- 2 cloves garlic $0.16
- 1 yellow onion $0.42
- 1 oz. can crushed tomatoes $1.39
- 1 oz. can tomato paste $0.56
- 1 tsp basil $0.10, dried
- 3/4 tsp salt $0.05
- black pepper $0.05, freshly cracked
- 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar $0.02
- 1/4 lb. broccoli $0.47, frozen
- 1/4 lb. spinach $0.47, frozen
- 2 oz. feta cheese $0.87
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions (boil for 7-10 minutes, or until al dente). Drain the pasta in a colander.
- While the pasta is cooking, add the sausage links to a large pot along with one tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the sausage over medium heat for about five minutes, or until they are slightly browned and firm enough to slice.
- While the sausage is cooking, mince the garlic and dice the onion. Remove the sausage from the pot and add the onion and garlic in its place. Sauté the onion and garlic in the pot for 2-3 minutes, allowing the moisture to dissolve the brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Meanwhile, slice the sausage into medallions. Once the onions are soft and transparent, add the sliced sausage back to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes more, or until the sausage is cooked through.
- Add the can of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, salt, pepper, and brown sugar to the pot. Stir until the tomato paste is evenly combined with the tomato sauce.
- Add the frozen broccoli and spinach to the pot, stir to combine, and allow to heat through, stirring occasionally. By this time the pasta should be fully cooked and drained. Add the drained pasta to the pot and stir to combine. Crumble the feta into the pot, stir to combine, then serve.
Notes
- The recipe can accommodate about 12 ounces of pasta; if using a one-pound package, estimate three-quarters of the package.
- Whole wheat pasta can be used to add fiber, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Frozen broccoli and spinach can be substituted with fresh if preferred, adding them towards the end of the cooking to maintain texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 71.5 cups each
Amount Per Serving
Calories 42633 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1.5Cups | |
| Calories | 426.33kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 52g | 17% |
| Protein | 18.91g | 38% |
| Fat | 16.57g | 25% |
| Sodium | 840.57mg | 35% |
| Fiber | 6.2g | 25% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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