Sausage Bow Tie Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 box (16oz) bow tie pasta (though another shape will do)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lbs sausage, plain or mild Italian (remove casings, we just want the minced meat)

  • NOTE: if plain sausage, add 1 1/2 tsp of Italian seasoning

• Red pepper flakes to taste (a small pinch to start)

• 1/2 onion, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more to taste)

• 1 can (28oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup packed baby spinach leaves, chopped

• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley to top, optional

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a good amount of salt to flavor the pasta.

2. As the pot is coming to a boiling, heat a large pot or skillet over med high heat. Add oil, warm until shimmering. Add sausage and it let get nice and brown for a few minutes (don't move it—this will help create flavor and texture). Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. When dark brown, flip to the other side and repeat.

3. Break up sausage and add onions and garlic. Lower heat to medium and sauté until onion is soft (about 10 minutes).

4. Add crushed tomatoes and heavy cream. Bring to simmer, lower heat, and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add pasta to boiling water. Cook pasta according to package directions, but stop cooking a few minutes before directed—it'll finish cooking in the sauce.

5. Save some pasta water and drain pasta. Combine sauce and pasta in a pan over low heat. (You can use the pasta pot or sauce pan.) Add spinach and Parmesan. Cook for a few minutes until spinach is wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add pasta water if needing to loosen the sauce. Add parsley.

6. Pop into bowls and top with Parmesan and/or red pepper flakes.

7. Let the warm goodness do its thing.