Baked Potatoes with Sausage & Arugula Sauce

Looking for another quick, less than 10 minute, weeknight meal???  Then look no further!  This is another "go to" dish that comes together in minutes.  You can even "bake" the potatoes in the microwave if you are in a pinch (5-10 minutes on high - don't forget to wash and prick them with a fork).  My husband was skeptical of this meal, but he was pleasantly surprised saying, "Oh, this is really good!".   Plus you can make it a one dish meal and serve it with a simple side salad.  Can't get any easier!

Happy Cooking!
Sarah

Baked Potatoes with Sausage and Arugula Sauce
Recipe based on:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/baked-potatoes-with-sausage-and-arugula-sauce-recipe/index.html

3 T olive oil
1 small onion, diced
salt & pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced (I always use my garlic press)
4 sweet Italian-style turkey sausage, casings removed (I had two extra links that I cooked in a separate pan for the kiddos - they LOVE turkey sausage!)
1 1/2 cups tomato-basil or marinara sauce (I used a jar but you can use homemade also)
3 cups baby arugula
2 T whipped cream cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
4 baked russet potatoes

In a large skillet, cook the sausage and break up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.  Drain on paper towels and set aside.

 In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Add the sausage back in, along with the marinara and the arugula. 

Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until the arugula has wilted, about 2 minutes. 

Adding the sausage and sauce

Then the arugula...cooked down.

Add the cream cheese and stir until the mixture forms a creamy sauce. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.

The cream cheese adds a richness, but feel free to leave it out if you want to cut some calories.

Cut a slit in the top of each baked potato and spoon the sausage sauce into each potato.  Enjoy!

Yummy!!!