Easy Dinner Using Sausage and Spinach
A straightforward weeknight meal that brings together savory sausage, tender greens, and warming potatoes.
Some nights call for food that tastes good without asking much of you. This combination of sausage, spinach, potatoes, and tomatoes is exactly that—familiar ingredients that cook down into something deeply satisfying. Whether you're feeding a family or just yourself, this is the kind of dinner that feels both nourishing and genuinely easy to pull together.
Sausage, Spinach & Tomato Potato Skillet
A hearty one-pan dinner with sliced sausage, tender potatoes, fresh spinach, and tomatoes in a savory garlic-infused sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage, sliced
- 1 lb potatoes, diced small
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and potatoes. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes begin to soften.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return sausage to the skillet. Add diced tomatoes with juice, broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
- Simmer for 8-10 minutes until potatoes are tender, then stir in spinach until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
This is just one option. Want to create your own recipe?
Customize the ingredients or generate a recipe built entirely from what you already have.
Build My RecipeQuick Variations
Lighter Option
Use turkey or chicken sausage and keep the potatoes to a modest amount, letting the spinach and tomatoes take up more of the pan. A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end brightens everything considerably.
Hearty Option
Increase the potatoes, use a fattier sausage, and finish with a drizzle of good olive oil and fresh herbs. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the tomato juices.
Vegetarian or Flexible Option
Swap the sausage for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or hearty mushrooms seasoned with fennel and garlic. The potatoes, spinach, and tomatoes remain the heart of the dish.
Simple Substitutions
Protein Substitutes
- Ground beef or lamb
- Turkey or chicken sausage
- Crumbled tempeh or tofu
- Pancetta or bacon
- Diced chicken thighs
Carb Substitutes
- Cauliflower or celeriac
- Polenta or cornmeal
- Rice or farro
- Crusty bread for serving
- White beans or cannellini beans
Flavor Boosters
- Red pepper flakes or fresh chili
- Garlic and fresh herbs (thyme, oregano)
- Balsamic vinegar or red wine
- Parmesan or aged cheddar
- Lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh juice
Common Questions
Should I brown the sausage first?
Yes. Browning builds flavor and renders some fat, which helps cook the potatoes and soften the spinach. It takes just a few minutes and makes a real difference.
How long do potatoes take to cook in this dish?
Diced potatoes typically need 12–18 minutes, depending on size and your stovetop. Cut them into roughly ½-inch pieces for even cooking. They're done when a fork passes through easily.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. The flavors actually meld and improve after a day or two in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop, add a splash of water if needed, and taste for seasoning before serving.
How much spinach should I use?
A generous handful of fresh spinach (or about a cup) will wilt down significantly once added to the hot pan. Don't be shy—it cooks down to almost nothing and adds nutrition and color.