Sunday, February 17, 2008

ONE-POT WONDERS

Italian Sausage, Spinach, and Pasta

'I would eat this for lunch, reheated, the day after eating it for dinner.' – Carlos Rodriguez

"I would eat this for lunch, reheated, the day after eating it for dinner." – Carlos Rodriguez (Photo by Heath Robbins, styling by Catrine Kelty)

A physical therapy student at Nazareth College in Rochester, New York, Theresa Najjar was at home in Chelsea on a school break when her mother told her about the Globe Magazine's recipe contest. Of her entry, she says: "It's really filling and tasty. And you always have leftovers."

ITALIAN SAUSAGE, SPINACH, AND PASTA

Theresa Najja

2 pounds spicy Italian sausage, cut in half lengthwise

                                                     and sliced into 1-inch pieces
                1 large                   onion, chopped
         5 to 6 cups                    low-sodium chicken broth
                1 pound                  thin spaghetti, broken into thirds
                2 bags                    spinach (10 ounces each), stems removed
                1 cup                      half-and-half
             1/2 cup                      Parmesan cheese

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the sausage. Once the sausage has begun to release oil, after about 2 minutes, add the onion and cook, stirring, until the sausage is cooked through, about 5 more minutes. Spoon or drain off fat, then add 5 cups of chicken broth and bring to a boil (use more if needed). Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add the spinach and cover to wilt, about 3 minutes (do this in batches if the pot is too small). Stir in the half-and-half and Parmesan cheese, then continue to stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately.

Serves 6