Simple Italian Skillet Dinner

Transform weeknight dinners with this one-pan wonder: Simple Italian Skillet Dinner. Bursting with rustic Mediterranean flavors, this hearty dish combines savory Italian sausage, tender penne pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, red bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. A generous handful of baby spinach adds freshness, while melted Parmesan cheese lends a creamy finish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy skillet recipe is perfect for busy evenings, offering the comfort of a homemade Italian meal without the fuss. Garnish with fresh basil for a touch of elegance, and pair it with crusty bread or a crisp side salad for a complete family-friendly dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 8 ounces dried penne pasta
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper
• 0 as needed fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess grease if necessary.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the dried penne pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid.

Step 7

Simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce.

Step 8

Once the pasta is tender, stir in the baby spinach a handful at a time until wilted.

Step 9

Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese over the skillet and mix gently.

Step 10

Remove from heat and let the skillet rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 11

Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2433.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3252.0

Total Fat 182.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 67.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 412.3mg	0%
Sodium 9650.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 249.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.4g	0%
Total Sugars 55.5g
Protein 163.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1815.0mg	0%
Iron 20.6mg	0%
Potassium 5265.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.8%

Protein: 19.9%

Carbs: 30.3%