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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Continue cooking the sausage until a rich, golden-brown exterior develops and the meat reaches complete doneness, then transfer to a holding plate.
- 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.
- Cascade uncooked penne directly into the skillet, followed by a steady pour of chicken broth, allowing the liquid to reach a gentle simmer.
- 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.
- Once pasta achieves ideal consistency, incorporate heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan, encouraging the sauce to gradually thicken and develop a luxurious consistency.
- Gently fold fresh spinach into the creamy mixture, witnessing its vibrant leaves wilting and integrating seamlessly with the developing sauce.
- Reintroduce the previously prepared sausage into the skillet, tenderly combining all components and allowing flavors to harmonize through gentle reheating.
- 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