This rich and creamy penne with spinach and Italian sausage is a comforting, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, it’s a dish packed with flavor and sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, with minimal cleanup thanks to the one-pan approach.
- Creamy and Cheesy: The Parmesan cheese and heavy cream create a luxuriously creamy sauce.
- Customizable Heat: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for a bit of a kick.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes great the next day—just add a splash of cream or milk when reheating.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Step-by-Step Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spinach: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring until combined. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.
- Season and Combine: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the cooked penne to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander for draining pasta
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: This dish pairs well with garlic bread and a side salad. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and presentation.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with sliced mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for a delicious meat-free version.
- Use Different Greens: Substitute spinach with kale or arugula if you prefer a different leafy green.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For extra flavor, add 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic.
Helpful Notes
- Salt to Taste: Parmesan cheese is salty, so taste the sauce before adding extra salt.
- Pre-Washed Spinach: Using pre-washed spinach makes prep even faster, saving you time on busy nights.
- Cream Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit of pasta water to thin it out for a silky finish.
Tips from Chefs
- Chef Giada De Laurentiis: “To create a creamier sauce, reserve a little of the pasta water and add it to the sauce as you stir in the pasta—it helps bind everything together.”
- Chef Mario Batali: “Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor and melts smoother than pre-grated Parmesan.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be slightly less thick and creamy. For a richer texture, combine half-and-half with a few tablespoons of butter.
Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle.
Q3: Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, but it can still work. If you freeze it, reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of cream to help the sauce come back together.
Q4: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta, and ensure all ingredients, especially the sausage and Parmesan, are gluten-free.
Q5: What other cheeses can I use?
While Parmesan is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano for a slightly sharper flavor.
Enjoy the Comfort of Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
This one-pan creamy penne with spinach and Italian sausage is the perfect comfort food. With rich flavors, a creamy texture, and minimal prep time, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends. Customize it to your taste and serve with extra Parmesan for a meal that’s sure to satisfy!
One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 5 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes optional, for heat
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spinach: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring until combined. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Season and Combine: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Add the cooked penne to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Customize Heat: For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.