There’s something truly wonderful about a meal that feels both indulgent and effortless at the same time. The One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe is exactly that kind of dish—a luscious blend of tender penne pasta, savory Italian sausage, and vibrant fresh spinach all brought together with a rich, creamy sauce. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a fantastic go-to for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a homemade meal that tastes like a special occasion. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients are the secret behind the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in this dish. Each one plays a key role in making the sauce creamy, the pasta tender, and the overall flavor profile just right.
- Penne Pasta: 12 oz of penne pasta, chosen for its ability to hold sauce in every little tube.
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound of bulk Italian sausage, pick your preferred heat level to customize the spice.
- Spinach: 2 cups of fresh spinach, adding a vibrant green color and a touch of earthiness.
- Onion and Garlic: 1 onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic, to build a rich and aromatic base.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup to create that ultra-smooth, luscious sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated, for that unmistakable nutty, salty finish.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon to infuse the dish with classic Mediterranean herbs.
- Olive Oil: for sautéing and enriching flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: to taste, bringing all elements into perfect harmony.
- Optional White Wine: a splash for extra depth in flavor 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 rolling boil. Toss in the penne pasta and cook until just al dente—this means it should have a slight bite to it, so it doesn’t go mushy later. Once cooked, drain the pasta but save a cup of that flavorful pasta water; it’s pure gold for adjusting your sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
In a large pan over medium heat, place your bulk Italian sausage. Break it up as it cooks, letting it brown beautifully and develop those rich, savory flavors. Once cooked through, scoop the sausage out and set it aside, leaving all the delicious fat in the pan to build on.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Using the sausage fat, add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook over medium heat until the onions turn soft and slightly translucent. This step is where the fragrance begins to fill your kitchen—trust me, it’s one of the best parts of this recipe!
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Now toss the fresh spinach into the pan with the onion and garlic. Stir gently as it wilts down, becoming tender and blending with the aromatic base you just created. The spinach adds a lovely green freshness that balances the richness of the sausage and cream.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Slowly pour this mixture into your pan, stirring continuously to combine with the sautéed ingredients. The sauce will begin to thicken and envelop all those delightful bits in a silky, dreamy coating.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sausage
Add the cooked sausage back into the pan, along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything gently to ensure every piece of pasta is lavishly coated with the creamy sauce. If the mix feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the perfect saucy consistency.
Step 7: Final Touches
Give the pan one last stir, making sure the flavors have melded beautifully together. It’s now ready to be served, but don’t forget to sprinkle some extra Parmesan and herbs on top for that final flavorful punch.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
To make your dish irresistible and add a pop of texture, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves on top. A little extra grated Parmesan or cracked black pepper can elevate each bite, making the dish look inviting and taste even more vibrant.
Side Dishes
Since this meal is creamy and rich, pairing it with a crisp fresh green salad brightens the plate perfectly. Garlic bread is another classic choice—it’s fantastic for dipping in the luscious sauce. For drinks, a glass of bold red wine beautifully complements the sausage and cheesy sauce, rounding out the entire meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe in rustic bowls for a cozy feel or on a white platter for a modern touch. Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top or a few chili flakes if you want a little extra kick. For gatherings, portioning it into small ramekins makes an elegant presentation and keeps the sauce nice and hot.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, cool any leftovers completely before placing them in an airtight container. Stored this way, the dish will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing you to savor it all over again without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save the dish for longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag, and it will last up to a month. Just keep in mind that fresh spinach can become a bit softer after thawing, but the flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to refresh the creamy sauce and help it regain its smooth consistency. Stir occasionally for even heating, and soon you’ll have a comforting meal ready again in minutes.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle work wonderfully. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to keep the pasta al dente.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms with some smoked paprika to add that rich umami flavor.
Can I use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
Using low-fat alternatives may affect the thickness and richness of the sauce, but you can try it. Consider adding a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water to help thicken the sauce if your cream is lighter.
How spicy is this dish? Can I control the heat?
The heat mainly comes from the Italian sausage you choose. Pick mild sausage if you prefer little to no spice, or go for spicy sausage to turn up the heat. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes during cooking if you want an extra kick.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it for guests?
Definitely. This recipe is very forgiving and reheats well. Just be sure to store it properly and reheat gently with a splash of liquid to keep that creamy texture smooth and delicious.
Final Thoughts
The One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe is a true champion when it comes to combining simplicity with incredible flavor. This dish offers that satisfying, homemade feel without the fuss of multiple pots and pans—perfect for busy lives but still special enough for when you want to indulge. I hope you get the chance to make this recipe soon and share it with those you love. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you. Enjoy every creamy bite!
Print
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
One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that combines al dente penne, savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich creamy sauce infused with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. This simple yet satisfying recipe utilizes a one-pan cooking method, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, delivering a harmonious blend of textures and tastes in minimal time and with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Meat
- 1 pound bulk Italian sausage (choose preferred heat level)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Others
- Olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: white wine for extra flavor
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a large pan, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Brown Sausage: Using the same pan, cook the bulk Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked through. Remove sausage from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the pan with the sausage fat, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Spinach: Incorporate fresh spinach into the pan with onions and garlic, cooking until wilted, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Slowly pour this mixture into the pan, stirring gently to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked Italian sausage and drained penne pasta to the pan. Toss everything together to thoroughly coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Finish and Serve: Serve the penne hot, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired for garnish.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair the dish with a fresh green side salad, garlic bread, and a bold red wine for a complete and balanced meal.
- Storage and Reheating: Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain creaminess.
Notes
- Choose sausage heat level to tailor the spice intensity to your preference.
- For a thicker sauce, mix a small amount of cornstarch into the heavy cream before adding it to the pan.
- Cooking the pasta first and using the same pan to build up the sauce layers enhances flavor while minimizing cleanup.
- Be careful not to overcook spinach; cook just until wilted to retain texture and nutrients.
