INGREDIENTS

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 3 garlic cloves , minced
  • 28 ounces roasted red peppers, mostly drained and chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 1/2 cups cream
  • salt
  • 12 ounces any short pasta
  • parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese (optional)

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a large skillet heat the oil over medium heat.Add the sausage and chili powder; cook, breaking the meat up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink, about 7 minutes.Add garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally, until sausage is lightly browned, about 5 minutes.Add tomatoes, spinach, cream, and 1/2 tsp of salt.Lower the heat slightly and simmer until the mixture thickens, about 4 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.Stir in the pasta and 1 Tbsp salt.Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just tender.Drain well.
  3. Stir the pasta into the sauce and cook, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is heated through and has absorbed some of the sauce, about 2 minutes.