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This creamy penne with Italian sausage and spinach is the ultimate quick comfort meal that comes together in just one pan. It balances savory, slightly spicy sausage with tender pasta and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, making weeknight dinners feel effortlessly special.
I first tried this recipe when I needed a hearty meal ready in no time and found it quickly becoming a household favorite for busy evenings.
Ingredients You Need
- Olive oil: to sauté sausage and garlic, choose extra virgin for best flavor
- Italian sausage: offers bold taste and texture, pick mild for subtlety or spicy for heat
- Garlic: provides aromatic warmth, fresh cloves are more vibrant than pre-minced
- Red pepper flakes: add a gentle kick, adjustable to your spice preference
- Chicken broth: creates the flavorful cooking liquid, opt for low sodium to control salt
- Heavy cream: enriches the sauce for that luscious, smooth finish
- Penne pasta: holds the sauce well with its tube shape, select good quality for al dente bite
- Fresh spinach: lends a fresh, slightly earthy flavor, choose vibrant green leaves without wilting
- Parmesan cheese: melts into the sauce for umami richness, freshly grated is best
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: balance flavors perfectly
- Fresh parsley or basil: for a fragrant, colorful garnish
Detailed Cooking Directions
- Heat and Brown the Sausage:
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks until golden and fully browned. This step develops the foundational savory flavor.
- Add Garlic and Spice:
- Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook briefly until fragrant, releasing their aroma into the pan without burning.
- Simmer the Cream Sauce:
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, combining the liquids evenly to create the creamy base for the pasta.
- Cook Pasta in Sauce:
- Add the uncooked penne and stir well to ensure it is submerged. Cover the skillet and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and check doneness. The pasta absorbs the flavorful sauce while cooking.
- Finish with Greens and Cheese:
- Once pasta is tender, fold in the chopped spinach until just wilted. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This last step brings brightness and the signature rich, cheesy finish.
This dish often sparks warm conversation around the table as it was a go-to comfort food during busy school nights and casual family gatherings. It’s a recipe easy enough for the whole family to enjoy together yet feels like a treat.
Smart Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within three days for best freshness. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long to keep the cream sauce silky.
Ingredient Variations
Swap Italian sausage for turkey or chicken sausage to lighten the dish while keeping protein. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms such as cremini or portobello. Kale or Swiss chard can replace spinach for a different leafy green texture.
Perfect Pairing Ideas
Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. A crusty loaf of garlic bread makes it extra satisfying. A chilled Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the dish’s richness beautifully.
Cultural Inspiration
This recipe takes inspiration from classic Italian pasta dishes where cream sauces and sausages bring rustic flavors to the table. It embodies the comfort and warmth typical of Italian home cooking, fused with modern convenience.
Seasonal Makeovers
In cooler months, add diced butternut squash or roasted red peppers for warmth and color. During spring and summer, swap spinach for fresh basil and add sun-dried tomatoes to brighten the flavors and celebrate the season’s produce.
Cook pasta until just al dente for the best texture. Stir frequently to prevent the creamy sauce from sticking or burning. Adding cheese off the heat helps maintain a smooth sauce consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, other short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli work well, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for more heat.
- → Can I substitute the Italian sausage?
Plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms are great alternatives to keep the savory element.
- → What’s the best way to prevent pasta from sticking?
Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks and ensure enough liquid covers it for even cooking.
- → Is it important to use fresh spinach?
Fresh spinach wilts nicely without turning mushy, but baby spinach or kale can also be used as alternatives.