Orecchiette with Spinach, Sausage & Tomatoes

Name: Orecchiette with Spinach, Sausage & Tomatoes
Cuisine: European, Italian, Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 1/4 lbs (625 g) bulk hot Italian sausage; 3 cans (14.5 oz each) Italian-herb diced tomatoes (5 1/4 cups/1.2 L), divided; 12 oz (350 g) uncooked orecchiette pasta; 2 1/2 cups (625 mL) water; 4 garlic cloves, pressed; 1 tsp (5 mL) crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt; 2 cups (500 mL) grape tomatoes; 1 oz (30 g) Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/4 cup/50 mL packed); 5 oz (150 g) fresh baby spinach leaves (8 cups/2 L)