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
Scale
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.
