One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage: A Flavorful, Effortless Meal
Looking for a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal? Look no further than “One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage”! This recipe combines tender penne pasta, savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce in a single pan, simplifying cleanup while delivering a satisfying meal. Ideal for a quick, weeknight dinner, it’s a dish that’s both hearty and approachable, sure to please any palate.
What is One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage?
This dish is all about simplicity and rich flavors. “One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage” is designed for ease, combining all ingredients in one pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing taste. It’s perfect for those seeking a comforting meal without the hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Creamy and Flavorful: The dish features a rich, cheesy sauce that complements the savory Italian sausage and fresh spinach, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Cost-Effective: Made with affordable ingredients like pasta, sausage, and spinach, it’s budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a family without overspending.
- Quick and Easy: The one-pan method streamlines the cooking process, making it ideal for busy evenings.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
Quick Overview
” One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage” is a comforting, flavorful dish requiring minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, combining pasta, sausage, spinach, and a cream sauce in a single pan.
Key Ingredients
- Penne Pasta: 12 oz of penne pasta
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound bulk Italian sausage (choose your preferred heat level)
- Spinach: 2 cups fresh spinach
- Onion and Garlic: 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Creamy Sauce: 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Other: Olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional white wine for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pan, bring salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente, then reserve some pasta water.
- Cook the Sausage:
- In the same pan, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Sauté minced onion and garlic in the sausage fat until softened.
- Add Spinach:
- Incorporate spinach into the pan, cooking until wilted.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, mix heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Slowly pour into the pan, stirring to combine.
- Combine Everything:
- Add cooked sausage and pasta to the pan, tossing to coat with the sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
- Serve:
- Top with additional cheese and herbs for garnish.
What to Serve with This Dish
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad complements the richness.
- Garlic Bread: Enhances the dish’s savory profile.
- Red Wine: Paired with a bold red wine for a complete meal experience.
Top Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Sausage Selection: Choose your preferred heat level for the sausage to tailor the dish’s spice quotient.
- Creamy Sauce Adjustment: For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch into the heavy cream before adding.
- Timing: Cook pasta first, using the same pot to build flavors gradually.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Cool the dish completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freezing for up to a month.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain creaminess.
Conclusion
“One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage” is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting, flavorful experience that brings together the best of pasta, sausage, and fresh spinach. By simplifying the cooking process with a one-pan approach, it’s the perfect dish for busy evenings or cozy dinners. Why not try it and enjoy the warmth and flavor of this delicious creation? Happy cooking!

s One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
Ingredients
- Penne Pasta: 12 oz of penne pasta
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound bulk Italian sausage choose your preferred heat level
- Spinach: 2 cups fresh spinach
- Onion and Garlic: 1 onion 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Creamy Sauce: 1 cup heavy cream ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Other: Olive oil salt, pepper, and optional white wine for extra flavor
Instructions
- In a large pan, bring salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente, then reserve some pasta water.
- Cook the Sausage:
- In the same pan, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Sauté minced onion and garlic in the sausage fat until softened.
- Add Spinach:
- Incorporate spinach into the pan, cooking until wilted.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, mix heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Slowly pour into the pan, stirring to combine.
- Combine Everything:
- Add cooked sausage and pasta to the pan, tossing to coat with the sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
- Serve:
- Top with additional cheese and herbs for garnish.
- What to Serve with This Dish
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad complements the richness.
- Garlic Bread: Enhances the dish’s savory profile.
- Red Wine: Paired with a bold red wine for a complete meal experience.
- Top Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Sausage Selection: Choose your preferred heat level for the sausage to tailor the dish’s spice quotient.
- Creamy Sauce Adjustment: For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch into the heavy cream before adding.
- Timing: Cook pasta first, using the same pot to build flavors gradually.
- Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Cool the dish completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freezing for up to a month.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain creaminess.
- Conclusion
- "One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage" is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting, flavorful experience that brings together the best of pasta, sausage, and fresh spinach. By simplifying the cooking process with a one-pan approach, it’s the perfect dish for busy evenings or cozy dinners. Why not try it and enjoy the warmth and flavor of this delicious creation? Happy cooking!