Skillet Penne with Chicken Sausage, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Spinach

For a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, this penne with chicken sausage and spinach recipe is the perfect choice. By combining the hearty flavors of chicken sausage with the vibrant greens of baby spinach, and adding the bold punch of sun-dried tomatoes, you’ll have a satisfying and delicious dish on the table in no time. The secret to maintaining the freshness of the spinach is to add it at the end, allowing it to wilt just enough without losing its vibrant color. This recipe offers a versatile option as you can use different pasta shapes to suit your preference. So, get ready to indulge in a super-speedy yet exciting dinner that will please the whole family.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 pound sweet or hot Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, rinsed and chopped fine
• Salt and pepper
• 8 ounces (2½ cups) penne
• 6 ounces (6 cups) baby spinach
• Grated Parmesan cheese

PREPARATIONS:

1. Heat olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking.
2. Add the chicken sausage, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, and cook until no longer pink, about 4 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Add chicken broth, water, sun-dried tomatoes, ½ teaspoon of salt, and penne to the skillet. Cook at a vigorous simmer, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened about 15 to 18 minutes.
5. Stir in the baby spinach, adding one handful at a time, and cook until wilted.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

YIELD:

• This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Be sure to remove the casings from the chicken sausage before cooking.
• Rinse the oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes to remove excess oil and chop them finely for easy incorporation into the dish.
• Add the baby spinach gradually to avoid overcrowding the skillet and ensure even wilting.

TIPS:

• Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing either sweet or hot Italian chicken sausage.
• Feel free to add additional herbs or spices, such as dried oregano or red pepper flakes, to enhance the flavor according to your taste preferences.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated fat: 2.5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Protein: 23g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 1360mg

In conclusion, this penne with chicken sausage and spinach recipe offers a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner option. The combination of flavorful chicken sausage, vibrant baby spinach, and bold sun-dried tomatoes creates a delicious and balanced dish. The cooking process ensures that the pasta is perfectly cooked, the sauce is well-thickened, and the spinach is tender without losing its color. With the addition of grated Parmesan cheese, each bite is packed with delightful flavors. This recipe is not only easy to make but also provides a nutritious meal, with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. Serve this dish with your favorite sides and enjoy a comforting and flavorful dinner with minimal effort.