Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Spinach

Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Spinach

Some days I have no idea what to make for dinner. This recipe came to be on one of those days because of a package of mozzarella and basil flavored chicken sausage I had in my refrigerator that needed to be used.   I was not in the mood to spend a couple of hours cooking and I also wanted a really quick dinner.  The chicken sausage was a perfect beginning to a quick dinner.

So, friends, this is a 30-minute or less meal that is perfect for any busy family's weeknight meal. It's also a great weekend meal when you have been running around doing all your weekend chores.  Whip this pasta dish together when friends stop by on the weekend.  Add a garden salad and some crusty bread and you'll take this meal over the top.


Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Spinach
Serves 6

Bow Tie Pasta Ingredients

• 1 pound basil mozzarella flavored chicken sausage, cut into chunks
• 1 lb package bow tie pasta
• 1 6-ounce bag of fresh baby spinach
• 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 2 large cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup white wine, like Pinot Grigio
• 2 Tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the sausage and brown.  Meanwhile, cook the bow tie pasta per the package directions, but for half the recommended time.  Remove the sausage from the pan with a slotted spoon.  Add the chopped garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan and cook for 1 minute.  Add the wine, stirring to loosen any bits on the bottom of the pan.  Add the crushed tomatoes and salt and pepper to taste.  Bring the sauce to a boil.  Add the sausage and basil and stir to combine.

Scoop 1 cup of pasta water from the pasta pan and add it to the sauce.  Drain the pasta and add it all at once to the skillet with the tomato sauce.   Add the spinach and cover the pan to encourage the spinach to wilt.  After a minute stir the spinach into the pasta and sauce until well-combined.  Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and continue cooking about 5 more minutes until the pasta is tender.   Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.

A Quick and Delicious Pasta Dinner

You can get the printable Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Spinach recipe by clicking the link.

Enjoy!