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One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage dish served in a bowl.

One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

A quick and easy one-pan creamy pasta dish featuring Italian sausage and fresh spinach, ideal for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sausage Base
  • 12 oz Penne pasta Any short pasta shape can be substituted.
  • 1 lb Ground Italian sausage Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
Creamy Sauce and Veggies
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or milk mixed with cornstarch.
  • 4 oz Fresh spinach Add at the end to preserve color and texture.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped.
Seasonings and Toppings
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil For cooking.
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese Grated, for topping.
  • to taste Salt For seasoning.
  • to taste Pepper For seasoning.

Method
 

Cooking Preparation
  1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion is translucent.
  3. Toss in ground Italian sausage, cooking until browned.
Cooking Pasta
  1. Stir in penne pasta and cover with water or broth, bringing to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and let it simmer until the pasta is cooked, about 10-12 minutes.
Final Mixing
  1. Mix in fresh spinach and heavy cream, stirring until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to three months. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. For added flavor, you could sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.