Skillet Sausage, Spinach, and Tomato Pasta: A 30-Minute Weeknight Wonder

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Heat olive oil (if using) in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove sausage from skillet and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
2. 2

   Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook in the sausage fat until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. 3

   Stir in the tomato paste and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen the flavors.
4. 4

   Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the dry pasta, ensuring it's mostly submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
5. 5

   Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and cooked sausage. Cook, uncovered, for another 2-3 minutes, or until spinach has wilted and tomatoes have softened.
6. 6

   Remove from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and extra Parmesan.