If you’re craving a meal that’s rich, satisfying, and simple to whip up on a busy weeknight, look no further than this One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of hearty Italian sausage, tender penne pasta, and vibrant fresh spinach all enveloped in a luscious, silky cream sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. This dish is a total winner for anyone who loves deep flavors without the fuss of multiple pots, combining wholesome ingredients that create an unforgettable dinner experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. The simplicity of these essentials makes the recipe approachable but delivers a beautiful taste harmony.
- Penne Pasta: 12 oz of penne pasta – sturdy enough to hold the creamy sauce while cooking evenly.
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound bulk Italian sausage – pick your favorite heat level to customize the spice and savoriness.
- Spinach: 2 cups fresh spinach – adds a fresh, vibrant green touch and a lovely mild earthiness.
- Onion and Garlic: 1 onion and 2 garlic cloves, minced – foundational aromatics that build flavor depth.
- Creamy Sauce: 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning – these come together to create that rich, indulgent sauce.
- Olive Oil: for sautéing – enhances all the flavors and helps cook ingredients evenly.
- Salt and Pepper: essential for seasoning to taste.
- Optional White Wine: a splash for extra complexity if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until it’s al dente – firm to the bite but cooked through. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid will be the secret weapon for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later on.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In the same pan you’ll use for the rest of the dish, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks so you get little crumbles bursting with flavor. Once cooked through and beautifully browned, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat behind.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Use the sausage fat left in the pan to sauté the minced onion and garlic. Cook them gently until they are soft and fragrant, which sets the perfect savory base for the rest of the sauce.
Step 4: Add Spinach
Once your aromatics are tender, toss in the fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts. This step not only keeps those lovely greens bright but also infuses the dish with their subtle flavor and nutrition.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Pour this creamy mixture slowly into the pan, stirring constantly to blend all those flavors into a smooth and luscious sauce that clings to every ingredient.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked sausage to the pan along with the al dente penne pasta. Toss everything together gently, making sure each piece of pasta is generously coated in the sauce. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water bit by bit to loosen the sauce to your ideal consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is perfectly combined and heated through, your One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe is ready to be enjoyed. Top it off with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh herbs for that final touch.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like freshly chopped parsley, basil leaves, or a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese elevates both the look and flavor of this dish. A fresh grind of black pepper or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil finishes it perfectly.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Also, you can’t go wrong with warm, garlicky bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. A glass of full-bodied red wine completes the meal and adds a sophisticated touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, try serving the pasta in shallow bowls sprinkled with toasted pine nuts or a few red pepper flakes for extra visual appeal and a hint of spice. You could even turn this into a baked casserole by topping it with breadcrumbs and broiling until golden and crispy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe again with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freezing is a great option. Store the cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to one month. Just be aware that the texture of the spinach may change slightly after thawing, but the flavors will still shine.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water, broth, or cream to help restore the sauce’s luscious creaminess. Stir often to heat evenly and preserve that dreamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully because its ridges hold the sauce, you can substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle—it’s totally up to your preference.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or simply omit it. Consider sautéing mushrooms or adding roasted vegetables to keep the dish hearty and flavorful.
What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of flour to thicken the sauce, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and creamy than the original version.
How spicy is the dish?
The spice level depends on the Italian sausage you choose. Mild sausage keeps the dish gentle and comforting, while spicy sausage adds a nice kick. You can tailor the heat to your liking by selecting the appropriate sausage.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Definitely! Cooking the sausage and sautéing the aromatics a day ahead can save time. Simply refrigerate them separately and combine everything when you’re ready to finish the dish.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe has quickly become one of those go-to comfort meals that’s easy to make yet impressively delicious every single time. Its creamy, flavorful sauce paired with fresh spinach and seasoned sausage makes for a beautiful balance that’ll warm you up from the inside out. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner. Happy cooking!
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One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and flavorful one-pan dish featuring creamy penne pasta tossed with savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of delicious Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Meat
- 1 pound bulk Italian sausage (choose your preferred heat level)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Other
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: white wine for extra flavor
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pan, bring salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Sausage: In the same pan, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully cooked and browned. Remove cooked sausage from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the sausage fat left in the pan, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Spinach: Incorporate the fresh spinach into the pan with the aromatics, cooking until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Slowly pour this mixture into the pan, stirring well to combine with the spinach and aromatics.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage and drained penne pasta to the pan. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired creaminess.
- Serve: Plate the creamy penne and top with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired for garnish.
- What to Serve: Serve alongside a fresh green salad, crispy garlic bread, and a glass of bold red wine to complement the rich flavors of the dish.
- Storage and Reheating: Cool leftovers completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to one month. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain creaminess.
Notes
- Choose Italian sausage heat level according to your spice preference to control the dish’s overall flavor intensity.
- For a thicker sauce, add cornstarch or flour mixed with a little cold heavy cream before adding the sauce to the pan.
- Cooking pasta first and using the same pan reduces dishes and builds more flavor in the final dish.
