Description
Cozy up with this Creamy Penne with Spinach and Sausage , a hearty and indulgent pasta dish that’s perfect for comfort food nights! Savory Italian sausage is paired with tender penne, fresh spinach, and a rich, velvety cream sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan. This one-pot wonder is quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to satisfy the whole family. Whether you’re craving a warming weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe has it all. Follow along with our easy-to-follow video tutorial to whip up this creamy, dreamy pasta in no time. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this dish is comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients
For the Creamy Penne:
- 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sausage:
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.
Sauté the Aromatics:
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet along with the fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the flavors meld together.
Combine and Finish:
6. Stir in the cooked penne and Parmesan cheese, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Serve and Enjoy:
7. Divide the creamy pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot alongside garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 25 Minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
