Why Make This Recipe
One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of Italian sausage and creamy sauce. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. Plus, with just one pan to clean, it’s a great time-saver!
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the penne pasta and add enough water to cover the pasta. Bring to a boil and cook until the pasta is al dente.
- Reduce the heat and add the heavy cream and baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
Serve this delicious pasta dish warm. You can garnish each serving with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese on the side. This meal pairs well with a light green salad and some crusty bread.
How to Store One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool and transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
Tips to Make One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
- For extra flavor, use spicy Italian sausage.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms if you like.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative.
Variation
You can make this dish vegetarian by replacing the Italian sausage with a meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any short pasta like fusilli or rigatoni in place of penne. Just cook it according to package instructions.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best to eat this dish fresh, but you can freeze it. Make sure it’s in an airtight container and consume it within 2 months. The texture might change slightly when reheated.
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or any grated cheese you like. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor a little.
One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Meat
Description
A quick and easy one-pan pasta dish featuring Italian sausage, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the penne pasta and add enough water to cover the pasta. Bring to a boil and cook until the pasta is al dente.
- Reduce the heat and add the heavy cream and baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
For extra flavor, use spicy Italian sausage. You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pasta, creamy penne, Italian sausage, easy weeknight meal