ITALIAN SAUSAGE & SUN-DRIED TOMATO PASTA

Italian Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta image

Flavor-packed sausage and sun-dried tomatoes are sure to liven up any simple pasta dish. I have a feeling that once you've tried it, it'll become a family favorite!-Dawn Singleton, Eighty Four, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) uncooked penne pasta
1-1/2 pounds bulk Italian sausage
2/3 cup julienned soft sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons fennel seed
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup dry red wine or reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 package (9 ounces) fresh spinach
3/4 cup shredded Romano cheese, divided
2/3 cup crushed seasoned salad croutons

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente., Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook sausage over medium-high heat until no longer pink, 5-6 minutes, breaking into crumbles. Stir in tomatoes, garlic, fennel seed and pepper flakes; cook 1 minute longer., Add wine. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is almost evaporated, 1-2 minutes. Stir in cream; cook 1 minute longer. Add spinach; cook and stir just until spinach is wilted., Drain pasta; add to sausage mixture. Stir in 1/2 cup cheese. Sprinkle with crushed croutons and remaining cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 617 calories, Fat 33g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 83mg cholesterol, Sodium 949mg sodium, Carbohydrate 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 24g protein.