This quick and delicious pasta recipe is on constant rotation at home.
Don’t have a jar of tomato sauce? You don’t need one.
Ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes warmed in olive oil infused with garlic and herbs. Bonded together with starchy pasta water to create the most fantastic sauce that lightly coats the pasta.
I love adding baked plant-based sausage here. Crispy edges, soft centers and packed with protein, they truly elevate this dish.
If you love this, check out more of my plant-based sausage recipes here!
Tomato + Sausage Penne with Spinach
Simple and speedy weeknight pasta full of fresh veggies and plant based sausage. Tossed in a fresh cherry tomato sauce to bring it all together.
Servings 2
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp oregano
- pinch of chili flakes
- 4 oz penne I used whole wheat
- ⅓ cup reserved pasta water
- 1-2 links plant-based sausage I used Tofurky, mild italian
- 2 large handfuls spinach
- 1 tbsp fresh basil
- 2 tbsp parmesan optional
Instructions
For the sausage
- Preheat the oven to 375° and line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- Put sliced sausage in a medium bowl and toss with ½ tablespoon of olive oil.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until sausage begins to crisp up around the edges.
For the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to the package. Drain, reserving ⅓ cup pasta water and set aside.
- Warm a large skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add tomatoes, garlic and salt.
- Once tomatoes begin to soften add the oregano and, chilli flakes, if using. Slowly start adding small amounts of the reserved pasta water to the skillet with the tomatoes to form a sauce.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the spinach and baked sausage and give it a good stir, until the spinach wilts.
- Remove from heat and mix in fresh basil, remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Divide into two bowls and top with grated parmesan, if desired.
Notes
Make it Vegan: Omit the parmesan.
