Description
One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage: Quick, comforting pasta dish cooked in a creamy sauce with sausage and spinach. Crowd-pleasing!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet or hot, based on preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta, uncooked
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 4 cups fresh spinach, packed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. The sausage should develop a caramelized exterior for maximum flavor in your One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage.
- Step 2: Add diced onion to the sausage and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic which would introduce bitterness.
- Step 3: Add the uncooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir to coat with the sausage mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with your spoon to release any browned bits—these contain concentrated flavor that will enrich your sauce.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is nearly al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated into the creamy sauce.
- Step 6: Gradually add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring after each addition until wilted. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, remembering that the sausage and broth already contain salt.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes—this resting period allows the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency. Serve your One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 580 calories per serving
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 39 grams
- Saturated Fat: 18 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 32 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 26 grams
- Cholesterol: 120 mg