Creamy Penne with Spinach Sausage (Print-Friendly Version)

Rich and creamy penne with spinach and savory Italian sausage cooked all in one pan.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Proteins

01 - 450 g Italian sausage, casing removed

→ Aromatics and Spices

02 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
04 - Salt, to taste
05 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Liquids

06 - 720 ml chicken broth
07 - 240 ml heavy cream
08 - 15 ml olive oil

→ Pasta

09 - 340 g penne pasta

→ Vegetables and Cheese

10 - 2 cups (approximately 60 g) fresh spinach, chopped
11 - 50 g grated Parmesan cheese

→ Garnish

12 - Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

# Detailed Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
04 - Add penne pasta to the skillet. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender.
05 - Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
06 - Transfer to plates and garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

# Helpful Advice:

01 - Use a large, deep skillet or pot to accommodate all ingredients and prevent overflow.
02 - Adjust red pepper flakes according to desired spice level.
03 - For a vegetarian variation, substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or additional vegetables.
04 - Garnishing with fresh herbs enhances both flavor and presentation.