Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta with Spinach and Sausage
Try this Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta with Spinach and Sausage recipe.
Try this Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta with Spinach and Sausage recipe.
- salt and pepper
- extra virgin olive oil
- 2 c milk
- 4 t butter
- 4 t flour
- red pepper flakes for serving (optional)
- 1 head of garlic whole with end sliced off
- 3 c large shell pasta (or penne)
- 1 lb italian sausage links casings removed (i used sweet sausage, but hot would also be tasty)
- 1 thyme sprig leaves removed
- 1 oregano sprig leaves removed
- 3 c spinach chopped
- Carbohydrate 12.9736363558352 g
- Cholesterol 220.302550310144 mg
- Fat 87.2749148835469 g
- Fiber 0.705937514454126 g
- Protein 21.9565594345164 g
- Saturated Fat 44.4439274016419 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (322g)
- Sodium 919.571699444744 mg
- Sugar 12.2676988413811 g
- Trans Fat 5.69838888863342 g
- Calories 919 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Place the garlic head in a small piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with oil, seal and roast for 35 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a small sauce pot, melt the butter. Add the flour, whisking constantly for 1 minute.
- Slowly add the milk, continuing to whisk another 5 minutes or so until the sauce gets thick and creamy.
- Add in the herbs, a generous pinch of salt and pepper and whisk a little more.
- Transfer cream sauce to a small food processor or blender.
- Add the roasted garlic cloves by squeezing them out of the skins and pulse sauce until very smooth.
- Cover to keep warm.
- In the meantime, heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and break up with a wooden spoon, cooking until browned all over, 6-8 minutes.
- Also in the meantime, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and boil until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
- Pour the cream sauce over the pasta, along with the spinach and sausage.
- Toss to coat until spinach just begins to wilt.
- Taste for seasoning.
- Serve hot.
Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta with Spinach and Sausage: A Weeknight Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to prepare delicious and healthy meals for my family can often feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are particularly challenging, as we’re all juggling work, school, extracurricular activities, and everything else that comes with a modern family. This Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta with Spinach and Sausage has become my go-to recipe for those hectic evenings. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying, leaving everyone happy and full without sacrificing precious family time.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The roasted garlic adds a depth of flavour that elevates the dish above your average pasta meal, while the spinach provides a healthy boost of nutrients. The Italian sausage adds a hearty protein element, perfect for balancing out the creamy sauce and pasta. I often use sweet Italian sausage, but feel free to experiment with spicy sausage for a kick, or even swap it for chicken or vegetables for a lighter option. It’s incredibly adaptable to dietary needs and preferences.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is the speed at which it comes together. While the garlic roasts in the oven, I can get the rest of the ingredients prepared and the sauce simmering. The entire cooking process, from start to finish, rarely takes longer than 30 minutes. This is a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when every minute counts. Moreover, it’s a wonderfully forgiving recipe. If you don’t have fresh thyme and oregano on hand, feel free to substitute with dried herbs – simply use about half the amount. Similarly, the type of pasta used is entirely up to you; penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle would all work wonderfully.
Beyond the Weeknight Wonders: While it is perfectly suited to a quick weeknight dinner, this pasta dish also shines as a more elegant meal for entertaining friends. With a little extra effort, you can transform it from a family favourite to a company-worthy dish. Simply use higher quality ingredients, such as artisan pasta and a richer cream. Consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavour and presentation. A side salad with a light vinaigrette would complement this dish perfectly, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. The possibilities are endless.
Tips and Tricks:
- Roast the garlic ahead of time: Roasted garlic can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This can make the weeknight cooking process even faster.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is key to achieving the perfect texture for this dish. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and ruin the overall experience.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your preferences. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice touch of heat.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, to make this dish even more nutritious and flavorful.
This Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta with Spinach and Sausage is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of simple, delicious food. It's a dish that brings my family together, nourishing not only our bodies but also our spirits. It's a recipe that I’ll continue to cherish and share for years to come, hoping that it brings a little bit of ease and culinary joy to your busy lives, too.
