Classic Italian Sausage and Spinach Penne
A comforting, satisfying pasta dish featuring savory Italian sausage and iron-rich baby spinach. Tossed in a rich marinara sauce, it provides steady, reliable energy without the afternoon crash.
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
Makes
4 servings
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet · Large pot
Time saver
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be gently reheated on the stove or in the microwave.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
From Your Pantry
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 6 steps complete
Next: Bring a large pot of water to…
- 01
Bring a large pot of water to…
Bring a large pot of water to a boil with a generous pinch of salt. Cook the penne according to the package directions until *al dente*. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Look for: *al dente*
Tap card to mark done - 02
Heat the olive oil in a large…
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian pork sausage, breaking it apart into bite-sized crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until fully browned.
Look for: fully browned
Tap card to mark done - 03
Reduce the heat to medium
Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the sausage, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
Allow: 2 to 3 minutes
Tap card to mark done - 04
Fold the fresh spinach into the skillet…
Fold the fresh spinach into the skillet a few handfuls at a time. Gently toss for 1 to 2 minutes until the leaves are just wilted but still bright green.
Look for: the leaves are just wilted but still bright green
Tap card to mark done - 05
Add the cooked penne directly into the…
Add the cooked penne directly into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly, adding a small splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
Tap card to mark done - 06
Divide into bowls
Divide into bowls, top with an even sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and finish with a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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