Skillet Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Spinach, Mushrooms, and Tomatoes

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🥘 Q: What ingredients do I need for this recipe?

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed if needed)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed for cooking sausage/veggies)

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced

  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (white button or cremini)

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)

  • 3 cups fresh spinach (or more to taste)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)

🍳 Q: How do I make it?

  1. Cook the pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

  2. Cook the sausage:
    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break it into crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.

  3. Sauté vegetables:
    In the same skillet (add olive oil if needed), sauté onion for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add mushrooms and cook until soft and browned, about 5 minutes.

  4. Add tomatoes and spinach:
    Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices) and add spinach. Cook until spinach wilts—2–3 minutes.

  5. Combine everything:
    Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if it looks dry.

  6. Finish with cheese and seasoning:
    Stir in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Heat through for 1–2 minutes.

  7. Serve and garnish:
    Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan if desired.

🍄 Q: Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Just omit the sausage or replace it with:

  • Plant-based sausage

  • More mushrooms or a mix of veggies (zucchini, bell peppers, etc.)

  • Canned lentils for protein

🌶️ Q: How spicy is it?

Mild if you use regular sausage and skip the red pepper flakes. Use spicy Italian sausage or more red pepper for a kick.

🧀 Q: Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely. Alternatives include:

  • Pecorino Romano (sharper flavor)

  • Mozzarella (melty texture)

  • Goat cheese (for creaminess)

🕒 Q: How long does it take to make?

  • Prep: 10–15 minutes

  • Cook: 20–25 minutes

  • Total: ~35–40 minutes

🥡 Q: How do I store leftovers?

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (without fresh herbs or cheese on top).

Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or in the microwave.

🧂 Q: Any tips to boost flavor?

  • Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the sausage.

  • Add a spoonful of tomato paste with the tomatoes.

  • Finish with a drizzle of good olive oil or balsamic glaze before serving.

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