Craving a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with a healthy twist? Look no further than our Sausage and Spinach Alfredo! This creamy pasta dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a breeze to whip up in just 30 minutes. With savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a luscious Alfredo sauce, it’s the perfect meal to impress your family or guests. Dive into this delectable recipe and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add fettuccine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove Italian sausage from casings and crumble into the skillet.
- Cook sausage, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously to prevent scorching.
- Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add fresh spinach to the sauce and cook until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Drain cooked fettuccine and add directly to the skillet. Toss pasta in the sauce until thoroughly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy hot.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to cook the fettuccine until al dente for the best texture. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water; it’s a great way to adjust the sauce consistency later!
- Sausage Selection: Choose a high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor. You can also use spicy sausage if you like a bit of heat in your dish.
- Creamy Sauce: Keep the heat on medium when adding the cream and cheese to avoid scorching. Stir continuously to achieve that velvety smooth sauce.
- Fresh Spinach: For the best flavor and nutrition, use fresh spinach instead of frozen. It wilts quickly, adding a vibrant color and freshness to your dish.
- Garnish Wisely: Don’t skimp on the Parmesan cheese when serving! A sprinkle of freshly grated cheese on top enhances the flavor and presentation.
- Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can make a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 680kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 48g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Cholesterol: 130mg
