Penne Pasta with Creamy Spinach and Italian Sausage is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a rich, creamy spinach sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Here’s how to make it:
Penne Pasta with Creamy Spinach and Italian Sausage
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add spinach and cream:
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). If using frozen spinach, squeeze out excess water before adding.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Combine everything:
- Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is well coated and heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips
- Vegetarian option: Omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a meatless version.
- Extra creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone for an even richer sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This Penne Pasta with Creamy Spinach and Italian Sausage is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for pasta lovers! 🍝✨
