Sausage and Pasta Dinner

Name: Sausage and Pasta Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 Entrees, 4 serving(s)
Ingredients: 4 ounces smoked turkey sausage (Precooked); 1 large leek (Chopped, Soaked and Cleaned); 2 garlic cloves (Minced); 1 teaspoon olive oil; 2/3 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup red pepper (Sliced 1-inch strips); 3/4 cup sliced mushrooms; 8 cups fresh spinach; 1 1/2 cups pasta (any type, al dente); 1/4 cup fresh basil (freshly chopped); 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated parmesan); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (Thickening agent); 1 teaspoon water

Submitted by Hope Rock

"A healthy take on Sausage and Pasta combined. I enjoy this on a cold night. This is Low in calories and on the budget as well."

Download

photo by Hope Rock

Ready In:: 40mins
Ingredients:: 14
Yields:: 4 Entrees
Serves:: 4

ingredients

4 ounces smoked turkey sausage (Precooked)
1 large leek (Chopped, Soaked and Cleaned)
2 garlic cloves (Minced)
1 teaspoon olive oil
²⁄₃ cup chicken broth
¹⁄₂ cup red pepper (Sliced 1-inch strips)
³⁄₄ cup sliced mushrooms
8 cups fresh spinach
1 ¹⁄₂ cups pasta (any type, al dente)
¹⁄₄ cup fresh basil (freshly chopped)
¹⁄₄ cup parmesan cheese (grated parmesan)
¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cornstarch (Thickening agent)
1 teaspoon water

directions

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to boil for the pasta. While waiting for the water to boil cut 4 oz of sausage into pieces, mince garlic and dice/clean the leeks; set aside.
In a large skillet heat up garlic and leeks until tender. Stir in sausage pieces, chicken broth, & red peppers. Bring skillet to boil, reduce heat. Add spinach to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until greens are wilted.
Keep an eye on the pasta, be sure not to over cook. Once pasta is cooked al dente, drain and use only 1 1/2 cups of the pasta. Save the rest of the pasta for another delicious dinner.
To create the thickener.
Take 1 tsp cornstarch and equal parts water in a small bowl or cup and stir until well combined. Pour the cornstarch mixture in with skillet and bring to a small boil until the liquid begins to thicken.
Turn off the heat and allow to set for 3 minutes.
Sprinkle 1 tsp black pepper over the sausage and spinach mixture and combine well.
Split the sausage mixture in the skillet into 4 equal parts. Plate each serving & sprinkle fresh chopped basil and grated parmesan on top.
FYI: The pepper does bring a bit of heat. If you're not a fan of spicy heat in a dish, simply omit the black pepper in the end or reduce the amount of pepper. If you prefer a more soupy style to this dish (which is just as good) simply omit the thickening agent.