Sausage Pasta

Instructions

1. 1

   Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the packet directions, subtracting 1–2 minutes from the cooking time.

2. 2

   Step 2: Just before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta.

3. 3

   Step 3: Use a sharp knife to cut the sausages into chunks about 1.5 cm long. The pieces may look messy or uneven before cooking; they firm up as they cook.

   
4. 4

   Step 4: Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the sausages and cook until well browned on the outside; they do not need to be cooked through inside yet.

5. 5

   Step 5: Add the onion and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the sausages are very browned.

6. 6

   Step 6: Add the tomatoes, chilli flakes, a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix, then reduce the heat to medium. Let the sauce bubble steadily for 8 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally.

7. 7

   Step 7: Add the baby spinach, if using, the pasta and about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Toss quickly for no longer than 1 minute so the pasta does not start to break.

   
8. 8

   Step 8: Remove the pan from the heat and serve immediately, garnished with basil and Parmesan.