There’s something sacred about Sunday evenings in our home. I tidy up from the weekend chaos and fluff the throw pillows. I light a candle and reset the house for the week ahead. I always make it a point to end the day with a home-cooked meal. It doesn’t have to be fancy it just has to feel nourishing. That’s exactly where this creamy sausage pasta comes in.
This recipe is a Sunday night go-to for us. It’s comforting and cozy. It only takes just 25 minutes to pull together. This leaves plenty of time for winding down, snuggling little ones, or catching the sunset from the front porch. Even better? You use nearly everything straight from its package! No leftover bits of spinach or half-used jars of sauce. Super simple and complete ingredients that come together beautifully. It’s the kind of meal that brings the whole family to the table. It sets the tone for a fresh, grounded week. It’s a little indulgent, a veggie-packed, and a whole lot of love in one skillet.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rigatoni or your favorite pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 package (12 oz) chicken sausages (I used Italian sausage)
- Half of a yellow onion
- 5-6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 5–7 oz bag of fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 jar of marinara sauce (use more if you like it extra saucy!)
- 4–8 ounces goat cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: Parmesan, red pepper flakes, fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain the pasta over your spinach (fun wilting trick) and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water for later.
- Sauté the Sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice the chicken sausages and brown them for 3–4 minutes on one side. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden.
- Add the Veggies: Toss the onions, garlic and mushrooms into the pan with the sausage. Sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Bring it Together: Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta, jarred marinara, and goat cheese directly into the pan. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water to help it all come together and make the sauce extra silky. Stir well, season to taste, and let everything warm through.
- Serve + Top: Dish it up and sprinkle with optional toppings. Breathe in that warmth, and enjoy the peace of a Sunday evening well spent.