Lemon Garlic Pasta with Sausage and Baby Spinach

Okay, so I have been making this recipe forever and I seriously cannot believe that I had not posted it on my blog yet. I made this dish for a neighbor back in July after she had her baby boy and when she asked for the recipe a couple months ago I realized that I didn't have it posted! I meant to post it right away, but I am just getting around to it. Greg and I really love this meal. It is very easy to make and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. It also makes a ton of leftovers for us which we love. I use chicken sausages, but I'm sure pork sausage would be good in it too. The dressing for the pasta is pretty amazing. You can't really go wrong with olive oil, garlic, lemon, salt, and pepper! Oh, and to spice it up a little you can add in the crushed red pepper flakes. I had originally added in kale to this recipe, but then decided I like the addition of spinach better. I've also used mustard greens which taste great too, but it is a bit of a stronger flavor. You can make it vegetarian by leaving out the chicken sausages too. Enjoy!

Recipe for Lemon Garlic Pasta with Sausage and Baby Spinach

INGREDIENTS

 4 chicken sausage links, cut into 1/8-inch slices
1 pound of penne or farfalle pasta
For the dressing
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1/4 tsp. of kosher salt
Juice of 1 lemon
5 Tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
A few grinds of fresh black pepper
 1/2 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese
To mix in
Baby spinach leaves (desired amount - I used about 4- 5 cups & there are 6 cups in an 8 ounce package)

DIRECTIONS
First, cook the chicken sausages according to package directions. Set aside.

Cook the pasta according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, make the dressing. Put the pressed garlic into a small bowl and add in the salt. Press the salt into the garlic with a spoon and make sure it is mixed in well. Then add in the lemon juice, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper and stir well. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.

When the pasta is done cooking, drain in a colander and then return pasta to the pot that it was cooked in. Pour the dressing over the pasta and mix well. Then add in the baby spinach leaves and stir until they are wilted. Finally, mix in the chicken sausages and serve!

Recipe Adapted from: Annie's Eats, Spoon with Me, and originally from In the Kitchen with a Good Appetite
Recipe makes approximately 6 - 8 servings.