Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring savory Italian sausage, tender penne pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce with spinach and Parmesan cheese, it’s a comforting dish that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Protein
- 1 Pound Ground Italian Sausage
Pasta
- 1 Pound Penne Pasta
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 Yellow Onion, minced
- 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 5 Ounces Baby Spinach
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
Dairy
- 2 Cups Heavy Cream
- 1 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the Skillet: While the pasta is cooking, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the sausage and aromatics.
- Cook Sausage and Aromatics: Add the ground Italian sausage, minced onion, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is no longer pink and the onions are softened.
- Drain Excess Fat: If there is excess fat in the skillet, carefully drain it off to ensure the sauce does not become greasy. Return the sausage mixture to the pan.
- Add Cream and Spinach: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the baby spinach, stirring to combine.
- Wilt Spinach: Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted and blended into the cream sauce.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts thoroughly into the sauce to create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sausage sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Italian sausage pasta immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon.
- Use low-fat cream or half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for better melting and flavor.
- Drain any excess sausage fat to avoid a greasy sauce.
