Sausage & Spinach

I'm convinced I'm half Italian because of my love/adoration/obsession with pasta. 

My family heritage would beg to differ.

Heritage aside, I've come to love this cusine on account of my tastebuds alone (and man, do I have good taste buds.) Carbs, carbs, cheese, and bread always within an arms reach.  How can you not love Italian food.  Bellissima!

What's more Italian than pasta?  Pasta with Italian sausage of course.  Double whammy.  It's like the PB & J of the dinner world.  Destined to be together. 

Dinner last night played off that idea of "togetherness."  Spicy sausage, wilted spinach, garlic, onions, and a bed of spirally noodles.  Dinner success - Italian style!

Sausage & Spinach Pasta

Ingredients:

1 lb hot Italian sausage, casings removed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red onion, sliced thin
4 cups spinach, packed
1 cup no-salt added chicken broth
3 tsp all-purpose flour
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
fusilli pasta (or other short cut pasta)
olive oil

pine nuts for garnish

 

Method:

In large saucepan heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add in sausage and cook 3-4 minutes, breaking up into pieces with wooden spoon.  Add in onion and garlic and continue to cook till sausage is cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Drain off excess fat.
Meanwhile in small cup, whisk together broth and flour.
Once sausage is cooked and onions are translucent, add in spinach and stir till wilted, 1-2 minutes.  Add in broth and cheese and cook for 3-4 minutes, it will begin to thicken a little.  Season to taste with pepper.
Remove from heat and serve over cooked pasta.  Garnish with pine nuts.
Enjoy!

adapted from my sausage & grape pasta