Spicy Sausage Pasta

This is a skillet meal that is super fast to whip together and will likely please the most picky of eaters. It is very similar to the Smoked Sausage Skillet Pasta that I have also posted. Minus the spinach in the smoked sausage version it is basically the same dish. What can I say, I guess I liked it. You can use any pasta you like, but I used Campanelle pasta just because it looks fun. I found this dish to be a little runny but that was likely because I used a bigger can and didn't drain the tomatoes before adding them. You could play around with it to see if draining would help. All in all, a good weeknight dinner for hungry tummies.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb smoked sausage
1 1/2 cups diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (mild, but its up to you)
1/2 cup heavy cream
8oz Campanelle pasta
1/2 tsp salt and pepper, each
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions

DIRECTIONS:
Add olive oil to an oven-safe skillet over medium high heat until just smoking. Add sausage and onions and cook until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add broth, tomatoes, cream, pasta, salt and pepper and stir. Bring to a boil, covet skillet, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until pasta is tender, about 15 minutes.

Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup cheese.  Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle with scallions. Broil until cheese is melted, spotty brown and bubbly.

Turkey Sausage Bow Tie Skillet

I have really been into skillet meals lately aka anything that requires a few ingredients and is super simple to make.  Life is all about whatever is easiest these days.  This dish comes together in one pan and is a cinch to make.  It freezes and reheats beautifully so you'll want to fix extras.  Even my toddler liked it so you know it will be a crowd-pleaser.

Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 25 mins
Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS:
8 oz uncooked bow tie or rotini pasta
1lb Smokey Turkey Sausage, cut into 1/4 inch rounds
1 package sliced mushrooms
2 tbsp butter
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups fresh snow peas
1 cup (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS:
Cook pasta according to package directions.  Meanwhile in a large skillet, saute sausage and mushrooms in butter. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.

Combine cornstarch and milk until smooth; gradually add to the skillet.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.  Drain pasta; add to sausage, mixture.  Stir in the peas and cheese; cook until cheese is melted.

Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet

I have been searching for easy recipes that are quick and delicious and found this win by Iowa Girl Eats (again!). It is a 1-skillet meal that is hearty and satisfying. I loved the creamy texture as well as the punch of spinach.  Even the husband liked it, so it's a keeper!

Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 20 mins
Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS:
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
12oz smoked turkey sausage, sliced
2 large shallots or 1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chicken broth
10oz can diced tomatoes (use a spicy variety if you want a little more kick)
1/2 cup half & half
Pepper
8oz cut pasta, such as rotini
4 cups baby spinach
Parmesan cheese, for topping

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and shallots then saute until sausage is slightly curled, about 5 minutes (do not over cook or sausage will become rubbery). Add garlic then cook for 30 more seconds, stirring constantly.

Turn heat up to high then add chicken broth, tomatoes, half & half, and pepper. Mixture may look curdled but it's fine. Bring to a boil then add pasta and stir to combine. Place a lid on top then simmer for 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente., stirring once or twice. Add spinach then stir to combine and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.