Protein-Packed Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

Serves: 4 | Protein: 40g per serving

Ingredients:

• 1 bag Al Dente Elbows
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb spicy italian pork sausage (or chicken sausage), casing removed
• 1 shallot, diced
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Spinach (a few handfuls)
• Optional: red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. (Reserve some of the pasta water).
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan on medium/high heat. Once hot, add the sausage. Saute ~5 minutes until browned, breaking up the meat into small pieces while it cooks.
3. Add the shallot, garlic and italian seasoning. Saute another ~2 minutes.
4. Add the heavy cream and parmesan. Mix just until cheese is melted, then add the cooked pasta with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Mix to combine.
5. Turn off the heat and mix in the the spinach just until wilted.
6. Serve, top with red pepper flaked if desired, and enjoy!