If you’re in the mood for a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal that doesn’t require a ton of clean-up, look no further than this One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage.
I love this dish because it’s easy to make, packed with savory sausage, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach, making it a perfect choice for dinner or even a cozy weekend meal.
Whether you’re cooking for family or just for yourself, this recipe delivers satisfying flavors without all the fuss.
Quick Recipe Info
| Nutritional Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal per serving |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Gluten-Free | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- One-pan convenience: Less mess, less clean-up, more time to enjoy your meal.
- Creamy and savory: The perfect balance of creamy pasta and flavorful Italian sausage.
- Packed with nutrients: A wholesome dish with spinach and protein-packed sausage.
- Quick and satisfying: A filling meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare.
Ingredients to make One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
This recipe is simple yet flavorful, requiring just a few key ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Penne pasta (12 oz): A classic pasta choice for this recipe that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Italian sausage (2 links, casings removed): The star of the dish, bringing savory, spiced flavor to the pasta.
- Fresh spinach (4 cups): Adds a nutritious touch and bright green color to the dish.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The creaminess that binds everything together for a luscious sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic flavor and a hint of heat to balance the creaminess.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): For a rich, cheesy finish that ties all the flavors together.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used for sautéing the sausage and garlic, adding extra depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, ensuring the seasoning is just right.
Steps to make One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside, saving a cup of pasta water for later if needed.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s fully cooked and browned on the outside. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. Then, add the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts down, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Parmesan
Now, pour in the heavy cream, stirring it in with the spinach and garlic. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and add a rich, cheesy flavor.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked sausage back into the pan, followed by the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once everything is combined, serve the creamy penne with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top. You can garnish with a few fresh basil leaves or red pepper flakes for a little extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is rich and hearty on its own, but you can pair it with a light salad or some garlic bread for the ultimate meal.
A side of roasted vegetables or a refreshing green salad would complement the creaminess of the pasta perfectly.
A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, can also make a great pairing if you’re serving it for a special occasion.
Meal Prep Tips: Can We Make One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage in Advance?
Yes, you can absolutely make this dish in advance! To prep ahead, cook the pasta, sausage, and sauce separately, and store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the components together in a skillet, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to bring back the creamy texture.
This is a great meal prep idea for busy weekdays or when you want to enjoy a comforting meal without the extra effort on the day of serving.
Tips and Tricks
- For a creamier sauce: If you want your sauce extra creamy, try adding a little more heavy cream or even some cream cheese to the mix. It will make the sauce richer and velvety smooth.
- Customize the seasoning: Don’t be afraid to play with spices! Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or sprinkle some Italian seasoning for even more flavor.
- Add extra vegetables: You can easily sneak in other veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini if you want to add more nutrients and color to the dish.
- Make it lighter: For a lighter version, use a lighter cream or substitute with half-and-half. You could also try turkey sausage instead of regular Italian sausage for a leaner alternative.
Variations
While this recipe is already packed with delicious flavors, there are a few easy variations you can try:
- Vegetarian version: Swap the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or even use a combination of mushrooms and spinach for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
- Chicken version: Replace the sausage with chicken breast or thighs for a leaner protein. You can either dice it up or cook it whole and shred it.
- Gluten-free version: Simply use gluten-free penne pasta to make this dish gluten-free. You could also experiment with other gluten-free pasta varieties.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The dish will last for about 3-4 days. To ensure the best flavor, try to eat it within this time frame.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the pasta for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
When reheating, you might need to add a little extra cream or water to loosen the sauce.
Can We Reheat One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage?
Yes, you can reheat this dish! To reheat, simply place it in a skillet over medium heat and add a small splash of milk or cream to help revive the creamy sauce.
Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking or burning. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
The pasta might absorb some of the sauce as it cools, so adding a bit of liquid while reheating will help bring it back to its creamy consistency.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes such as rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente.
Can I make this dish without sausage?
Absolutely! You can leave out the sausage and use a vegetarian protein or just enjoy it as a creamy pasta with spinach. For added protein, try chickpeas or white beans.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe as written is not spicy, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or some chili powder if you want a spicy kick.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the spinach.
Conclusion
One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage is a delicious, comforting, and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something satisfying. It combines creamy goodness with savory sausage and fresh spinach, creating a dish everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.