One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

Looking for a quick, delicious, and hearty dinner that comes together in no time? One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage is the perfect dish! Packed with bold flavors from savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich creamy sauce, this meal is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting dish without the hassle of washing multiple pots and pans.

Why You’ll Love One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

This recipe has everything you need for a satisfying meal:

• One-Pan Convenience: No need to dirty multiple pots—everything cooks in a single pan, saving you time on both prep and cleanup.
• Rich and Creamy Sauce: The combination of cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a smooth, velvety sauce that perfectly coats the penne.
• Healthy Spinach: Adding spinach not only boosts the flavor but also adds a healthy touch to this rich dish, bringing in essential vitamins and nutrients.
• Flavorful Italian Sausage: The sausage infuses the dish with its hearty, savory flavor, making every bite a taste of Italy.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy days when you want something home-cooked but don’t have much time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this one-pan creamy penne with spinach and Italian sausage, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Penne Pasta: You can use any pasta, but penne works perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Italian Sausage: Ground Italian sausage adds a rich, flavorful base. You can choose spicy or mild depending on your preference.
• Fresh Spinach: Packed with nutrients, fresh spinach wilts down perfectly in the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: For that rich, creamy texture that coats the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: A couple of cloves of minced garlic add depth and aroma.
• Chicken Broth: To help create a sauce and cook the pasta.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the sausage and garlic.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Next, add the uncooked penne pasta to the skillet. Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Step 4: Add Cream and Spinach

Once the pasta is tender, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts into the sauce, creating a vibrant and flavorful base.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked sausage to the pan and stir everything together. Let it all heat through, and then serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes for a little spice if desired.

Tips for Perfecting One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

• Substitute Sausage: If you prefer a leaner option, swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken sausage. You can also use vegetarian sausage if you prefer a plant-based meal.
• Use Fresh Spinach: For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh spinach. Frozen spinach can work, but it may release more water and affect the sauce’s consistency.
• Customize the Spice: Adjust the level of heat by using mild or spicy sausage or adding red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Meal Prep

This one-pan creamy penne with spinach and Italian sausage is not only quick to make, but it also stores and reheats beautifully. You can easily make a large batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove, and you’ve got a tasty meal ready in minutes.

Final Thoughts

One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage is the ultimate comfort food that’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for a dinner with friends. With its creamy texture, savory sausage, and fresh spinach, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love!

Serving and Storage Tips for One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

Serving Tips

• Garnish for Extra Flavor: After serving, sprinkle some extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor. A few red pepper flakes can also bring a little heat to the dish if desired.
• Side Dishes: Pair this creamy penne with a simple side salad, such as a Caesar salad or a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette would also be perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of white wine, like a crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio, would complement the creamy sauce and sausage perfectly. For a red wine option, try a Chianti or Sangiovese to balance the richness.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Store any leftover One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage in an airtight container in the fridge. The dish will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While this dish can be frozen, the creamy sauce might separate a bit upon reheating. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to its creamy texture.
• Reheating: When reheating leftovers, use low to medium heat to gently warm the dish. Add a little extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to avoid burning and to ensure even heating.

By following these tips, you can enjoy this delicious, creamy penne with spinach and Italian sausage even after the initial meal!

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While penne is a great choice for this dish, you can easily substitute it with other pasta shapes such as rigatoni, farfalle, or rotini. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape, so be sure to check the package instructions.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. You can also use dairy-free Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

3. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used in place of fresh spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce to avoid excess moisture. Fresh spinach will give a better texture and flavor, but frozen spinach is a convenient alternative.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare it in advance, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and simply reheat when you’re ready to eat. The flavors actually improve the next day, making it an excellent option for make-ahead dinners.

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