Step 1

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. While the pasta cooks, proceed with the recipe below.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium heat in a large, heavy-bottomed, high-sided skillet.

Step 3

Add crumbled sausage and cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes or until the sausage is cooked. Drain excess fat.

Step 4

To the same skillet with sausage, add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, marinara sauce (or tomato sauce), and fresh spinach. Bring to a boil on medium heat and stir everything well. Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, for 4 or 5 minutes until the spinach wilts to your liking.

Step 5

Add chopped fresh tomatoes, and cook for about 2 more minutes.

Step 6

Add cooked and drained pasta to the sauce. Reheat.

Step 7

Mix everything well. Remove from heat.

Step 8

Season with salt, freshly ground coarse black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if you like. Top with fresh herbs, such as thyme.

Step 9

Tip: use your best judgment about the salt. If the sausage is salty enough, you might not need to add any extra salt.