Quick (and I mean Quick) Tasty Pasta Dish

My son loves to watch quick food TikTok's and came to me with this one a few weeks ago.  We are about to make it for a third time.  He's learning in particular about very affordable cooking that is made fresh, not from a can, that can feed a crowd or provide leftovers.  This checks all boxes!  We make this with Italian Sausage but you can substitute Shrimp, Cubed Chicken Breasts, or a variety of vegetables.  We altered it a bit to suit our taste but it's very quick to put together and is practical for Brunch, Lunch, Buffets, Dinner or late night eating after a night out.

I think it's wise to prep everything first because this goes together very quickly.  For entertaining, I would have the 5 Italian Sausage Links cooked and cut into slices in advance and even cook the pasta til al dente because it will be reheated in the large skillet just before serving. If using chicken, I would rinse and cut into 1/2" cubes just over 1 pound of breast meat.  After the garlic is softened, add chicken and let carmelize and cook til barely done.  Remember, this will continue cooking as you add the other things.  If using Shrimp add it right after the garlic is softened but be ready with all the other ingredients because over cooked shrimp will be tough.

But if you don't have time for the pre cooking, in a skillet begin cooking the sausage links first.  At the same time, begin heating  a large pot of water - enough to cook a 1 lb of Pasta- penne, rigatoni or what ever shape you like.  Once pasta is just about fully cooked, drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process if making in advance.  If you are in the process of making the dish, drain and add pasta to the large Sauteuse pan.  

Rinse and spin dry 2 Cups Fresh Spinach.  Cut in half 1 1/2 Cups Grape Tomatoes.  Have 3 Cloves of Garlic peeled and ready to press.  Dice 1/2 Colorful Pepper. 

Preheat a sauteuse pan (or large skillet) over medium heat.  Add 2 Tbl Olive Oil.  Press Garlic into the hot oil.  Add Pepper and cook for 2 minutes.  Add Tomatoes and Pre-cooked Sausage slices and cook for 1 minute.  Add cooked Pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes.  Add Spinach and Fresh Herbs and cook til spinach is wilted.  Finish with Balsamic Vinegar, Parmesan Cheese, Salt, Pepper and Red Pepper Flakes. Serve at one with warm crusty Bread and a Salad.  

NOTE: We found the Parmesan sticks to the pan and the spoon rather than the food itself.  Omit that step and grate Parmesan onto the plated pasta. 

For vegetarians and/or GF diets.  Prepare using the following Roasted Vegetables: Red Onion Wedges, Colorful Bell Peppers slices, cubed Eggplant and Zucchini, Grape Tomatoes cut in half.  Roast at 375 for 20-25 minutes till golden brown.  Set aside til ready to use.  Use a dried GF pasta.