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This hearty dish brings together smoky bratwurst links and a rich, velvety sauce tossed with bright spinach. It’s perfect for anyone craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal prep time. Get ready for a delicious dinner that’s sure to become a regular in your home!
Ingredients
- 1 pound bratwurst links
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions in well-salted water. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of the starchy cooking water.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Slice the bratwurst links into bite-size pieces and add them to the hot skillet. Cook, stirring often, until nicely browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer bratwurst to a plate.
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, taking care not to let it brown.
Next, pour in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. Stir gently, scraping up any brown bits at the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a light simmer, then toss in the chopped spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Return the cooked bratwurst to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Stir everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Once the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce, remove from heat and garnish with grated Parmesan.
Serve hot and enjoy!
This comforting bratwurst pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings. It offers a balanced mix of rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Though bratwurst provides a hearty punch, you can lighten things up by using turkey sausage or adding more vegetables—mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini all make great swaps or additions. Whether you’re catering to picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this creamy, savory meal will satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy experimenting with different cheeses, seasoning blends, or incorporating whole-grain pasta for extra nutrition.
