Penne Pasta with Creamy Spinach and Italian Sausage
This Penne Pasta with Creamy Spinach and Italian Sausage is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for a cozy dinner. The creamy sauce balances the spice of the Italian sausage, while fresh spinach adds a nutritious touch. It’s a quick and easy dish that comes together in about 30 minutes, making it great for weeknights
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
12 oz penne pasta
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed.
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup onion, finely chopped
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
½ cup chicken broth (or pasta water for extra flavor)
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
Extra Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
1. 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.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles, and cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
Remove excess grease if necessary.
3. Saute Aromatics:
Add onions and cook until softened (2 minutes).
Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Reduce heat to low and stir in chicken broth and heavy cream.
Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
5. Add Spinach & Pasta:
stir in chopped spinach, letting it wilt into the sauce (1-2 minutes).
Toss in the cooked penne, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve & Garnish:
Plate the pasta and top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~65
Protein: ~28g
Carbohydrates: ~52g
Fat: ~38g
Saturated Fat: ~17g
Fiber: ~4g
Sodium: ~850mg
Notes & Variations
Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork.
More Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Extra Creamy: Stir in ½ cup of ricotta cheese or a touch of cream cheese for extra richness.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
This Creamy Spinach and Italian Sausage Penne is a crowd-pleaser, easy to customize, and packed with bold flavors. Enjoy your homemade restaurant-quality pasta!