A semi-homemade (read: easy!) pasta dish that takes less than 30 minutes. Spicy Italian sausage sits in a creamy marinara bath that envelopes your favorite gluten-free pasta. This Gluten and Dairy-free Spinach & Sausage Pasta will help you enjoy an old classic despite any new dietary restrictions. Classic comfort food without any of the top eight allergens.
My parents come and visit us every six months. Once in the summer for a few weeks and again around Christmas. It’s fun, because I like to cook for them and show off any new recipes I’ve figured out while they’ve been gone.
I was super excited this Christmas to show off this delicious pasta recipe. Both my mom and I agree it tastes a lot like lasagna–except allergy friendly and a lot easier! No layering, but it still has that creamy, cheesy feel to it.
Did you make any yummy comfort meals during your Christmas break?
I know a lot of people expect skinny or healthier recipes at the first of January, but I just couldn’t sit on this recipe any longer. Yes, you need healthy meals. I’m also for moderation, and considering the rough start we’ve had for 2018–sometimes you need a warm, comforting bowl of carbs in the winter.
And, this definitely fits the bill!
My favorite part is that you can use any jarred marinara sauce you prefer. I’ve found many to be allergy-friendly, and it’s sooo nice to have a store-bought component to the meal.
And, in case you’re not familiar with using jarred, full-fat coconut milk in place of heavy cream as a substitute–no fear, it does not taste like coconut. I’m not a fan of the flavor of coconut, and this just adds the thick, creamy texture to the sauce. **Be sure to use full fat, canned coconut milk found in the Asian isle for best results. The carton coconut milk from the dairy section will be a lot thinner, as will the light canned coconut milk.** Sometimes, you gotta let yourself indulge. I’m sure it’s the good fats…right?? Someone tell me I’m right??!
I hope this quick meal of Gluten & Dairy-free Spinach & Sausage Pasta will help you enjoy a comforting, allergy-friendly pasta dish this winter!
- 1 pound gluten-free pasta (any shape will do)
- Olive oil
- 1 pound mild (also known as sweet) Italian sausage
- half a large yellow onion, diced finely
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 and ½ cups marinara sauce (store bought is easiest--there's lots out there that are allergy-friendly)
- ¾ cups cream from a can of full-fat coconut milk
- 2 cups baby spinach, whole or torn
- ¾ cup nutritional yeast
- ½ cup pasta water
- Fill a large stock pot with salted water and turn it on high. Once it is boiling, boil your pasta for the recommended time on the package. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
- While the pasta boils, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the onion. Soften for 1-2 minutes. Then, add the Italian sausage and cook until browned. You can then either drain the fat, or keep it. I prefer to keep it for flavor.
- Add the garlic, marinara sauce, coconut milk, nutritional yeast and pasta water. Once that has been stirred, add in the spinach and cook until it's wilted. (I prefer the spinach leaves whole, but for little kids, I find it's easier if it's torn.)
- Finally, add in the al-dente pasta and stir to coat.
- Serve warm. Leftovers keep well 1-2 days in an air-tight container.
DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT, SO YOU DON’T LOSE IT! ALSO, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY OTHER ALLERGY-FRIENDLY PINTEREST BOARDS!
Craving some more gluten-free pasta dishes? Check out my other favs:
Dairy & Gluten-free Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Allergy-friendly Tuscan Pasta Salad
Basil, Lemon & Avocado Creamy Pasta
Your recipes have been incredibly helpful to this new allergy family. Thank you so much for sharing!
You’re so very welcome! I’m just trying to create what I wish I would have had when we first started. It makes me feel good to know we can help other allergy families. 🙂