cook like james

This is an excellent dinner recipe that’s completely satisfying and requires only one pan! I love home cooking but hate all the kitchen cleanup some dishes require. This hearty comfort food can be thrown together fast and requires just a few simple ingredients.  The combination of sun dried tomatoes, spicy turkey sausage, and green spinach not only provide great flavor but also make for a colorful dish during the winter months.

Serves 4

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound hot Italian turkey sausage, if using links, remove casings

2 shallots or 1 small onion, finely chopped

4 cloves minced garlic

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon dried basil or oregano

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 ½ cups water

8 ounces gemelli or penne pasta (2 ½ cups)

½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, rinsed and finely chopped

1 (6-ounce) bag baby spinach

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Heat oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onion and cook until softened, 4-5 minutes. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, basil or oregano, red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2. Stir in broth, water, penne, tomatoes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Increase heat to high and cook, stirring often, until penne is tender and liquid has thickened, 15 to 18 minutes (add a bit more broth if needed.)
3. Stir in spinach, handful at time, and cook until wilted. Off heat, stir in Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.