Effortless One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe

My kitchen often feels like a culinary playground, where this one-pan creamy penne with spinach and italian sausage becomes a delightful adventure.

Weeknight meals demand simplicity without sacrificing flavor, and this recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal cleanup.

Hearty italian sausage infuses rich, spicy notes into each tender pasta bite.

Silky spinach adds vibrant color and nutritional depth to the dish.

Creamy sauce binds ingredients together, creating a luxurious texture that feels indulgent yet comforting.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques mean you can craft this meal faster than ordering takeout.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of protein, greens, and comforting carbohydrates that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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

• Cook everything in one skillet, reducing cleanup time and kitchen mess with this efficient recipe.
• Prepare a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families and professionals.
• Swap Italian sausage for chicken or make it vegetarian by using plant-based protein, offering flexible meal options for different dietary preferences.
• Combines creamy pasta, savory sausage, and nutritious spinach into a satisfying dish that appeals to both kids and adults.

What You Need for One-Pan Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

• Italian Sausage: Rich, hearty meat that adds deep flavor and protein to the dish, choose spicy or mild based on preference.
• Chicken Broth: Essential liquid for cooking pasta, provides extra savory depth and helps create sauce.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce texture, look for high-fat content for best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor, select freshly grated for most authentic taste.

• Penne Pasta: Tubular pasta that catches sauce perfectly, choose standard or whole wheat varieties.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds nutritional value and vibrant green color, select crisp and bright leaves.

• Garlic: Provides aromatic base note, fresh minced offers most intense flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding subtle richness, choose extra virgin for best taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice garnish for heat lovers, sprinkle to personal preference.

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

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage

Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat. Plop in Italian sausage and break it into crumbly bits using a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown color and is completely cooked. Scoop out the sausage and park it on a side plate.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

In the same skillet, splash a touch more olive oil. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around, releasing its aromatic magic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Launch the Pasta

Tumble uncooked penne into the skillet. Pour chicken broth over the pasta and coax it to a gentle simmer. Let the pasta bubble and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, following package timing (typically 10-12 minutes).

Step 4: Create Creamy Magic

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Allow the sauce to thicken and become luxuriously smooth. Nestle fresh spinach into the mix and watch it melt into the creamy landscape.

Step 5: Reunite and Serve

Slide the reserved sausage back into the skillet. Stir everything together until heated through. Plate immediately and optionally sprinkle with extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.

Pro Tips for Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Perfection

• Sausage Selection Matters: Choose high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavor for maximum taste impact. Opt for mild or spicy versions depending on personal preference.
• Pasta Perfection Technique: Stir pasta frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Use a wooden spoon or spatula for best results.
• Cream Consistency Control: Add heavy cream gradually and simmer gently to prevent sauce from separating. Lower heat helps maintain smooth, silky texture.
• Spinach Timing Trick: Toss spinach in last few minutes of cooking to preserve vibrant green color and prevent overcooking. Fresh spinach wilts quickly and retains nutrients.
• Customize Creamy Comfort: Make this dish vegetarian by substituting sausage with plant-based protein like roasted mushrooms or chickpeas. Adjust liquid quantities accordingly for balanced results.

Storing & Reheating One-Pan Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the meal fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little extra broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring gently until heated evenly.
• Cool the dish completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container, where it can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

• Perfect Pairings
• Choose a light, zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy richness of the pasta. Its bright acidity balances the hearty sausage and creates a refreshing counterpoint.
• Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will provide a light, fresh contrast to the creamy, robust main dish.
• Serve warm, crusty Italian bread brushed with garlic-infused olive oil. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior will help soak up the delicious sauce, adding texture and complementary flavors to the meal.
• Select a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese to match the bold sausage and creamy sauce. The wine's robust character and subtle tannins will enhance the dish's rich, savory profile.

Variations on One-Pan Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or roasted mushrooms for a meat-free version. Add extra herbs like basil or oregano for depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta. Reduce cream quantity and add more protein-rich vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain a creamy texture and cheesy flavor.

One-Pan Creamy Penne With Spinach And Italian Sausage Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy, comforting one-pan penne with spinach and Italian sausage delivers a hearty meal packed with robust flavors and silky texture. Savory sausage, tender pasta, and fresh spinach combine for a quick dinner that delights hungry families with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)

Aromatics, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, introducing Italian sausage and methodically fragmenting it into fine morsels with a wooden utensil.
2. Continue cooking the sausage until a rich, golden-brown exterior develops and the meat reaches complete doneness, then transfer to a holding plate.
3. Within the identical skillet, introduce another drizzle of olive oil and carefully toast minced garlic until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen, approximately 60-90 seconds.
4. Cascade uncooked penne directly into the skillet, followed by a steady pour of chicken broth, allowing the liquid to reach a gentle simmer.
5. Orchestrate the pasta’s cooking process, stirring intermittently to prevent adherence to the pan’s surface, maintaining a tender yet firm texture throughout approximately 10-12 minutes.
6. Once pasta achieves ideal consistency, incorporate heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan, encouraging the sauce to gradually thicken and develop a luxurious consistency.
7. Gently fold fresh spinach into the creamy mixture, witnessing its vibrant leaves wilting and integrating seamlessly with the developing sauce.
8. Reintroduce the previously prepared sausage into the skillet, tenderly combining all components and allowing flavors to harmonize through gentle reheating.
9. Plate immediately, offering optional garnishes like additional Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to elevate the dish’s sensory experience.

Notes

• Sausage Selection Matters: Choose high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavors like fennel or spicy varieties to elevate the dish’s overall taste profile.
• Pasta Cooking Technique: Stir pasta frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even, perfectly al dente texture without overcooking.
• Cream Sauce Rescue: If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or ground turkey for a lighter version, and use gluten-free penne for a celiac-friendly alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 670 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 41 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg