rigatoni with sausage + spinach

health tip

Although it can be easy to eat a bit too many noodles, keep pasta dishes healthy by eating a balance of pasta, vegetables and protein.

the ingredients

500 mL uncooked Western Family rigatoni pasta (2 cups)
10 mL Western Family canola oil (2 tsp)
1/2 medium onion, diced
250 g chorizo sausage, casings removed, sliced (1/2 lb)
1 28 oz/796 mL can Italian-style stewed tomatoes
170 g bag baby spinach or 1 bunch of spinach, washed and dried (6 oz)
75 mL fresh grated 1/3 cup
Parmesan cheese

the method
1. Cook rigatoni pasta according to package directions. Set aside.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the sausage and cook until browned 5 to 7 minutes. Add the spinach and canned tomatoes and cook, tossing frequently until the spinach wilts, about 4 to 6 minutes. It may seem impossible to stir in all of the spinach, but be patient, as spinach will shrink in size as it cooks.

3. Divide pasta among individual bowls, top with spinach and sausagesauce and sprinkle with Parmesan.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional analysis per serving
Calories 520 Protein 26.6 g Fat 21 g Carbohydrate 55 g Fibre 5 g