Turkey Sausage & Arugula Pasta

Ingredients

12 ounces whole-wheat short pasta , such as shells or twists

8 ounces hot Italian turkey sausage links , removed from casings

3 cloves garlic , chopped

8 cups arugula or baby spinach

2 cups halved cherry tomatoes

1/2 cup finely shredded Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, plus more to taste

1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

1- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta until just tender, 9 to 11 minutes, or according to package directions.
2- Meanwhile, cook sausage in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, arugula (or spinach) and tomatoes. Cook, stirring often, until the greens wilt and the tomatoes begin to break down, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and keep warm.
3- Combine 1/2 cup cheese, pepper and salt in a large bowl. Measure out 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid; drain the pasta. Whisk the cooking liquid and oil into the cheese mixture; add the pasta and toss to combine. Serve the pasta topped with the sausage mixture and an extra sprinkle of cheese, if desired.