Zesty Penne with Spinach & Italian Sausage Recipe: No-Fuss Magic!

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of penne with spinach and Italian sausage that whispers pure culinary magic.

Hearty flavors dance together, creating a symphony of taste on your plate.

Robust Italian sausage mingles with tender spinach, coating each pasta tube with rich, savory goodness.

The ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger and delights the senses.

Fragrant herbs and perfectly cooked pasta promise a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.

Weeknight dinners just found their new champion, ready to transform an ordinary evening into a delectable feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 710 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for One-Pan Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

• Italian Sausage: Adds rich, hearty flavor and meaty texture; choose fresh, high-quality sausage with balanced spices for maximum taste impact.
• Chicken Broth: Creates silky cooking liquid for pasta; opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels and enhance natural ingredient flavors.

• Penne Pasta: Provides perfect vessel for capturing creamy sauce; select bronze-cut pasta for superior sauce absorption.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, velvety consistency; choose organic cream for deeper, more authentic flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes sharp, nutty undertones; select freshly grated wheel cheese for maximum melting potential and robust taste.

• Garlic: Infuses deep, pungent base notes; select firm, plump cloves without bruising or green sprouts.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking foundation; choose extra virgin for authentic Mediterranean essence.
• Fresh Spinach: Introduces vibrant color and nutritional boost; pick crisp, deep green leaves without wilting or yellowing.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy garnish; sprinkle for subtle heat and additional flavor complexity.

Gear Up to Prepare One-Pan Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking every stage of this one-pan meal, from browning sausage to simmering pasta.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up sausage and stirring ingredients without scratching the skillet.
• Measuring Cup: Helps accurately pour chicken broth and measure cream.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping spinach.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.

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

• Brown the Meat Boost Flavor

Get a big skillet sizzling hot with olive oil. Toss in Italian sausage and break it into delicious little pieces. Cook until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely done. Scoop out the sausage and set it aside on a plate.

• Wake Up the Garlic

In the same pan, drizzle a touch more oil and drop in minced garlic. Let it dance around until its amazing aroma fills your kitchen, which takes just a minute or two.

• Transform Pasta into

Slide uncooked penne into the skillet and pour in chicken broth. Let everything bubble and simmer, stirring occasionally to keep pasta from sticking. Cook until pasta becomes perfectly tender.

• Create Creamy Wonderland

Swirl in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Watch the sauce become luxuriously thick. Add fresh spinach and let it melt into the creamy mixture, creating a vibrant green landscape.

• Bring Everything Together

Return the browned sausage to the pan and mix everything so each bite is packed with flavor. Heat everything through and serve immediately. Optionally, dust with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Tips to Upgrade One-Pan Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

• Easy swaps and pro tips to elevate your one-pan meal
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that keeps the rich, creamy texture intact.
• Replace Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage crumbles to match different dietary preferences and protein needs.
• Toss in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms during the sautéing stage to increase nutritional value and add more depth to the dish.
• Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of Italian seasoning to customize the flavor profile and give the dish a personal touch.
• Prepare the entire dish in advance and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture and restore the creamy consistency.

Plating Tips for One-Pan Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

• Rustic Family Dinner Night: Gather loved ones around the table and serve this hearty one-pan meal with warm, crusty bread for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce.
• Protein-Packed Lunch Solution: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for a satisfying midday meal that keeps you full and energized through afternoon work hours.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the rich, creamy pasta with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red Chianti to balance the dish's robust flavors.
• Veggie Boost Option: Top each serving with extra fresh baby spinach or chopped herbs like basil and parsley for added nutrition and a bright, fresh finish.

Keeping One-Pan Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Fresh

• Cook extra sausage and pasta during initial preparation, storing separately in airtight containers for quick weekday lunches or future dinners within 3-4 days.
• Store leftovers in sealed containers, keeping the dish fresh for 3-5 days. Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce's creamy consistency and prevent drying.
• Divide cooled meal into individual portions, placing in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Stir well to redistribute sauce and restore texture.
• Prepare ingredients like chopped garlic and cleaned spinach in advance, storing in separate containers. This reduces cooking time and makes weeknight meal assembly fast and stress-free, perfect for busy households.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or farfalle. Just ensure the pasta type has a similar cooking time and can absorb liquid well.

• Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use lean turkey sausage instead of traditional Italian sausage. These swaps will reduce the calorie and fat content.

• How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Consider adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini during the garlic sauteing stage. These vegetables will blend nicely with the existing ingredients and boost nutritional value.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or add more vegetables like roasted eggplant or crispy chickpeas for protein. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the recipe’s flavor profile.

Effortless Penne With Spinach And Italian Sausage

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage delivers comfort in a single skillet. Rich flavors meld together for a satisfying meal you’ll crave after a long day.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sausage Searing: In a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle olive oil and crumble Italian sausage, browning thoroughly until deeply caramelized and completely cooked through.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Without cleaning the skillet, add another olive oil splash and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its intense flavor profile.
3. Pasta Immersion: Introduce uncooked penne directly into the skillet, pouring chicken broth to initiate a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
4. Creamy Transformation: After pasta reaches al dente consistency, stream heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan, stirring continuously to create a velvety, rich sauce that gradually thickens.
5. Final Integration: Fold fresh spinach into the creamy mixture, allowing leaves to wilt gracefully, then reincorporate cooked sausage, ensuring all ingredients harmonize and heat through completely.
6. Serving Finale: Transfer to serving plates, optionally garnishing with additional Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs to elevate the dish’s sensory complexity.

Notes

• Manage Sausage Browning: Ensure high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust, which develops rich, caramelized flavors.
• Control Pasta Liquid Ratio: Add chicken broth gradually and monitor moisture to prevent dry or overly soggy pasta, maintaining ideal al dente texture.
• Prevent Cream Separation: Lower heat when adding heavy cream and Parmesan to avoid curdling, stirring consistently for smooth, silky sauce consistency.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap Italian sausage with plant-based alternatives, use gluten-free penne, or replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for lighter, adaptable options.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 710
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg