Italian Sausage Spinach Penne

We had just one can of tomato sauce left.... one package of spinach... one package of Italian turkey sausage and a few boxes of pasta when I stumbled across this recipe.  

It was as though it was meant to be.  

We're glad we stumbled across the recipe -- it was delicious and great as leftovers too!  Frog Prince loved taking it in his lunch.  His colleagues were jealous.  

Italian Sausage Spinach Penne - from Pam's Midwest Kitchen
{Print Recipe}

1/2 lb. whole wheat penne
1 lb. Italian {turkey} sausage
3 T chopped garlic
1 (16oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. basil
salt and pepper, to taste
1 (8oz) pkg. frozen spinach, thawed
1/4 C freshly grated mozzarella or Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions... or if you're looking to save some heat and energy, try these directions.

Meanwhile, cook the Italian sausage (we cut ours into rounds) until no longer pink.  Drain the excess grease.

In the same skillet, saute the garlic in the pan.  I had enough grease/coating in the pan to do this without adding olive oil.  If not, add in 1 tsp. olive oil.

Then, add in the tomato sauce, and spices.

Toss in the spinach, and season with salt and pepper.

Mix well and heat through.

mmmm....

Then, toss the sauce with the pasta. Or, serve over pasta.

Serve warm, topped with freshly grated cheese.  We loved topping it with mozzarella... yum!