We have two kids, both of us have jobs, you all probably understand the struggles. Even though we are super busy we still try to get a delicious home cooked meals on the table every night. In order to do that, sometimes you need some really easy and basic meals. This one checks both those boxes!
20 minute meals have become a staple for us. You don’t need a lot of time to make delicious dinners, but they also don’t need to come from a box. This one uses all fresh and organic ingredients which is way better in terms of taste and health!
All of my recipes can easily be made Gluten Free (and that is always how I make them). The only substitute you need for this one is swapping out the noodles for GF Penne. My favorite brand for Penne is Barilla’s gluten free option.
Protein Options – I love using pork sausage when I make this meal. If you are not a fan either ground beef or chicken would also work. If you do chose chicken as your protein, make sure you cut it up in to small enough pieces so it cooks fully through!
Crushed Tomatoes – If you have enough time, I will always recommend getting fresh tomatoes from the produce section and then blending them up. Otherwise, when I used canned crushed tomatoes I always go with Muir Glen.
Parmesan – another quick note on fresh, skip the Kraft grated parmesan and buy a block. Freshly grated tastes way better. Just my opinion
At the end, when you add the spinach, make sure to lower the heat to low. It make look like a lot at first, but it will quickly wilt and cook down. Then turn the heat off and add in the cheese. We served it with a salad and some garlic bread!
Lastly, for those of you that don’t have a lot of time, shop all my recipes on my Jupiter Shop and Door Dash will deliver the ingredients right to your door. Save time – Shop this recipe here!
Hope you enjoy!
Ingredients
- 10 oz Penne Pasta
- 1 T Olive Oil
- 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
- ½ Onion, chopped
- 1 lb Italian Sausage
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes
- ¾ t Oregano
- ¾ t Basil
- 1 t Salt
- ½ C Heavy Cream
- ½ t Red Pepper Flakes
- 1.5 C Spinach
- ½ C Fresh Parmesan, grated
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In salted water, boil your pasta until Al Dente
- In a pan, heat the oil and cook the onion, garlic and sausage. (5-7 minutes)
- Once cooked through, add the tomatoes, oregano, basil, and salt. Bring to a simmer
- Add the heavy cream, pepper and red pepper flakes. Return to simmer and then cook for 5 minutes
- Reduce the heat. Add the cooked pasta, toss. Add the spinach and let it wilt. Remove heat completely and add the parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy!
