If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together in just one pan, you’re going to love this One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of rich creaminess, savory sausage, and fresh spinach all tossed with tender penne pasta. What makes this dish truly special is how simple ingredients transform into a luscious dinner everyone will rave about, especially when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen or end up with a pile of dishes to clean. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your weeknight rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the spicy notes of Italian sausage to the creamy goodness of Parmesan-enriched sauce, every component works harmoniously to make this dish irresistible.
- 8 oz penne pasta: A classic shape that holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides the luxurious base for the creamy sauce, making every bite velvety smooth.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A simple fat to brown the sausage beautifully without sticking.
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed: Adds robust, savory flavor and a hint of spice for complexity.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic depth that brightens every mouthful.
- 5 cups fresh spinach: Brings vibrant green color and a mild, earthy taste that balances richness.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce giving it salty, nutty richness and amazing texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that tie all the flavors together.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick of heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling your penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until just al dente. This ensures your pasta has that perfect bite without becoming mushy later when combined with the creamy sauce. Drain and set the pasta aside, ready to be incorporated into the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the Italian sausage, carefully removing the casing before cooking. Break up the sausage with a spoon as it cooks to achieve small, flavorful pieces. Cook it thoroughly until it’s beautifully browned and releases those mouthwatering aromas—it usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Once your sausage is browned, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about one minute, just enough to release its wonderful fragrance without burning. This simple step layers in an inviting aroma that’s impossible to resist.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Next, toss fresh spinach into the skillet. It may seem like a lot, but spinach wilts down quickly, releasing moisture and melding beautifully with the savory sausage and garlic. Let it soften over 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally so every leaf cooks evenly.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the sausage and spinach mixture. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, constantly stirring as it melts into the sauce. This step transforms the dish, making it decadently creamy and rich, coating every bit of sausage and spinach in cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Season and Combine
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little spicy warmth. Then add your cooked penne pasta directly to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully coated in that luscious sauce. This is where the magic happens—every bite gets that incredible creamy texture paired with bursts of flavor.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra freshly grated Parmesan right on top takes this dish to the next level, adding a salty punch and a bit of texture. Freshly chopped parsley or basil can add a bright, herbaceous note and color contrast that makes your plate look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serve this creamy pasta alongside a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread is also fantastic for soaking up every last bit of the sauce, making every forkful even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the creamy penne directly from the skillet, placing it on the table for everyone to help themselves. Alternatively, portion it into shallow bowls and garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and a drizzle of good quality olive oil for an elegant touch that makes guests feel spoiled.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it a perfect candidate for meal prep or quick lunches during a busy week.
Freezing
While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing. To prevent texture loss in the cream sauce, gently reheat from frozen rather than microwaving at high heat.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the pasta slowly in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce and keep it creamy. Stir frequently to avoid sticking, and heat until everything is warmed through and the sauce is silky once again.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage works well if you want a lighter option, just be sure to choose a flavorful variety to keep the dish tasty. You might want to add a little extra seasoning since these sausages are usually milder.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version. The key is to maintain the savory, umami elements that the sausage provides.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the pasta remains al dente for the best texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while cooking. You could also choose spicy Italian sausage varieties that naturally bring more heat to the plate.
What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from separating when reheating?
Reheat gently over low heat and add a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce emulsified and creamy. Avoid very high heat which can cause the dairy to separate.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like an instant hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for a weekday dinner but special enough to impress family and friends. If you’re looking for comfort food that is fuss-free yet packed with vibrant flavors, I can’t recommend this enough. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your culinary repertoire!
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One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage is a rich and comforting pasta dish that combines tender penne pasta with savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both hearty and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Sauce and Meat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables
- 5 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside for later use.
- Brown Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it is browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not burnt.
- Add Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet with the sausage and garlic, cooking until the spinach wilts. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to blend with the mixture in the skillet. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season and Combine: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Then fold in the cooked penne pasta, mixing well so that the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy penne warm, optionally garnished with additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Make sure to not overcook the spinach; it should be just wilted to retain its bright color and nutrients.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese yields a better melt and richer flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
