I’ve been doing the 45 minute (sometimes an hour) commute for a few weeks now. I thought it might get better but it hasn’t. I mentioned before that I have been trying to find ways to save time on things in my life including cooking. Quick weeknight dinners, like this Skillet Sausage and Spinach Pasta, that have leftovers to eat for lunch is key now that I have less time in my weeks.
Skillet Sausage and Spinach Pasta

One Pot Sausage and Spinach Pasta
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 20 minutes
-
Total Time: 30 minutes
-
Yield: 6 1x
-
Category: Pasta, Entree
Description
An easy one pot sausage and spinach pasta meal topped with spinach and mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 lb. sausage (I used spicy Italian but use what you want)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 red pepper, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium if possible)
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 1–15oz can of diced tomatoes
- 6 pieces of fresh basil, chopped (or 2 teaspoons of dried basil)
- 6 oz whole wheat rotini pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- 6 oz spinach
- shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet to medium high. Add sausage and cook until browned (about 10 minutes).
- Add onion and garlic and saute for 2 minutes.
- Turn the heat to high and add red pepper, chicken broth, half and half, diced tomatoes and basil and stir bringing to a boil.
- Add pasta and continue to stir. Place lid on the skillet and let simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally (you want the pasta to be al dente as it will continue to cook once you remove it from the stove).
- Turn heat to low and add spinach stirring until wilted.
- Serve pasta in separate bowls with mozzarella cheese on top.
Notes
This recipe makes 6 servings but refrigerates great for leftovers throughout the week. Feel free to use whatever sausage you want–spicy, turkey, pork. If you buy already cooked sausage then you can skip step one and just add the cooked sausage, onion and garlic into a pot and go from there.
Adapted from Iowa Girl Eats from Kevin & Amanda
Julia
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
Monday 1st of July 2013
My hubs has an hour long commute and he says the same thing! Driving that long is the pits. Thank goodness for quick and easy meals like this skillet pasta! Looks delish!
Julia
Monday 1st of July 2013
I feel for him! Its no fun!!
Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking
Monday 1st of July 2013
I love one pot dishes! So does my husband since he is usually the one in charge of clean up. We made a deal a long time ago, I cook, he washes dishes. That ride to DG can be brutal some times. 294 locks up at random times. Hang in there hopefully they will have you working from home before you know it!
Julia
Monday 1st of July 2013
I like the idea of the husband being in charge of clean up! I am trying that one!
Lisa @ Garnish with Lemon
Friday 28th of June 2013
One pot meals are the perfect ending to a busy day! Looks so tasty!
Julia
Friday 28th of June 2013
I agree! Thanks Lisa!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef
Friday 28th of June 2013
What beautiful photos and I want to eat everything!
Julia
Friday 28th of June 2013
Thanks Maureen!
Stephie @ Eat Your Heart Out
Thursday 27th of June 2013
This looks so good! I love this kind of pasta dish. Definitely pinning to try for one of those nights when I just don't feel much like cooking and want a week's worth of leftovers!
Julia
Friday 28th of June 2013
I hope you like it!! Let me know how it turns out.