If you are craving a comforting, rich, and flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly, this One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful harmony of tender penne pasta smothered in a silky cream sauce, vibrant spinach adding a fresh pop of color, and hearty Italian sausage delivering savory depth. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed dinners at home, this dish is sure to become a fast favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal, making the final dish both satisfying and inviting.
- 8 oz penne pasta: Provides the perfect pasta shape to catch the creamy sauce in every bite.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Delivers the luscious and velvety base for the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the sausage evenly.
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed: Brings bold, savory flavors and a bit of spice to the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and mouthwatering warmth.
- 5 cups fresh spinach: Offers a tender, leafy green freshness that brightens the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the cream for a rich, nutty finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate the flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch adds just the right kick for those who love a little heat.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions, cooking just until al dente. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture perfectly when combined with the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Allow it to brown thoroughly for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial to develop that deep, savory flavor that forms the heart of the dish.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Once the sausage is nicely browned, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about a minute until you can smell that fragrant garlicky aroma filling the kitchen. Garlic adds a lovely warmth that complements the sausage beautifully.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Next, toss in the fresh spinach. It will look generous at first, but it quickly wilts down in about 2 to 3 minutes. This step refreshes the dish and introduces a lovely green color and slight earthiness that balances the richness of the cream and sausage.
Step 5: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir everything together. Then gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts completely and forms a creamy, indulgent sauce. This silky sauce is what makes this One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe so incredibly comforting.
Step 6: Season and Combine
Season everything with salt and pepper to your preference, and sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you want to add a touch of heat. Finally, add the cooked penne pasta back to the skillet and toss until every piece is generously coated in that luscious sauce. Now it’s ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
For an irresistible finish, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. A few fresh basil leaves or a handful of chopped parsley can add a burst of color and bright herbal notes that elevate the dish even more.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with crisp, light sides. Think a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to complement the richness without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or add a cozy, rustic vibe, serve this One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe in individual ramekins or shallow bowls, garnished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and extra Parmesan. Another fun twist is adding toasted breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover creamy penne in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, making it a tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
While the cream sauce may slightly change texture when frozen, you can freeze portions of this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too—just stir occasionally to heat evenly and keep the creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds authentic flavor, you can substitute with chorizo, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer. Each variation brings a unique twist to the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the penne pasta for a gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’ll still enjoy all the creamy goodness without worry.
Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes would make great additions. Just be sure to sauté any extra vegetables before adding the cream to keep the texture perfect.
What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese to mimic the richness, but the sauce may be a little less thick and indulgent. Adjust the amount of cheese accordingly for creaminess.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that you can control by the amount you sprinkle in. Start with a little and adjust to taste—it’s easy to add more but hard to take away once added!
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe is a true celebration of comforting flavors and quick preparation. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s a dish that fills the home with inviting aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and enjoy the simple pleasure of a homemade creamy pasta that becomes a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
Print
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 quick and hearty pasta dish that combines tender penne pasta with savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an easy and satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups fresh spinach
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water following the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta 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 as it cooks. Continue to cook the sausage until it is thoroughly browned, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and cook for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook it, stirring occasionally, until it wilts down, which will take approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the sausage and spinach mixture. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously, allowing the cheese to melt and create a creamy sauce.
- Season and Combine: Season the creamy sauce with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sausage and spinach sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy penne warm, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure pasta is drained well to avoid watery sauce.
- You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
- If you want a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer before adding pasta.
