Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s full of flavor? This One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage is the answer. Packed with tender penne pasta, savory Italian sausage, and fresh spinach, all cooked in a creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
The best part? It’s all made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The rich, creamy sauce ties everything together, while the combination of sausage and spinach adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just treating yourself to a comforting meal, this pasta dish is sure to hit the spot.
2. Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
3. Directions
- Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add the liquids and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the penne pasta, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover the pan and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
- Add the tomatoes and spinach: Stir in the diced tomatoes and chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the tomatoes to heat through.
- Finish with sausage and cheese: Return the cooked sausage to the pan. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
4. How to Prepare
This one-pan meal is incredibly flexible. If you want a thicker sauce, simply let the pasta cook for a few extra minutes until the liquid reduces. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can add a bit more broth or cream.
For added flavor, try using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded cheese—it will melt into the sauce more easily, creating an extra creamy texture.
If you want to add more vegetables, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would work well in this dish, adding even more flavor and nutrition.
5. Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
6. Servings
This recipe makes 4 servings, but can easily be doubled if you’re cooking for a larger group.
7. FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle in place of penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
3. Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Definitely! Turkey sausage is a great, leaner alternative to pork sausage. You can also try chicken sausage for a different flavor profile.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. You could also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant for additional texture.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth to bring back its creamy consistency.
8. Conclusion
One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage is the perfect dinner for busy nights when you need something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. With its rich, creamy sauce and hearty ingredients, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. The best part? It’s made in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe delivers on flavor and comfort. So grab your pan, and get ready to enjoy a hearty, creamy meal that’s packed with flavor in every bite!