If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and effortlessly, this One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, rich sauce clings to tender penne pasta, while savory Italian sausage and bright, fresh spinach add layers of deliciousness that make every bite a joyful experience. Best of all, this dish comes together in just one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing deliciousness—a true kitchen win!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a special role in building the perfect balance of creamy richness, hearty sausage flavor, and fresh greens that make this recipe so satisfying.
- 8 oz penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto that luscious cream sauce for every bite.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds indulgent creaminess that transforms the dish into comfort food heaven.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a subtle fruity base to brown the sausage beautifully without sticking.
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed: The star protein, packed with herbs and spices for bold, savory flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Lends aromatic warmth and a gentle bite that uplifts the entire dish.
- 5 cups fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color, nutrition, and a mild, leafy taste to balance the richness.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the cream sauce, lending a salty, nutty depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a touch of heat and added complexity.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Penne Pasta
Start by boiling your penne pasta in a pot of salted water until it’s tender but still with a slight bite—al dente is key here. This step ensures your pasta has the perfect texture and will hold up well when mixed into the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for the moment.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Browning the sausage not only creates rich flavor but also gives a lovely texture contrast to the creamy pasta. Cook it until nice and golden, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Garlic for Aroma
Next, toss in the minced garlic directly into the skillet. Sauté it for about one minute until fragrant but not browned—this step infuses the sausage with that irresistible garlicky warmth without overpowering it.
Step 4: Wilt the Fresh Spinach
Then, add the fresh spinach on top of the sausage mixture. It might look like a lot at first, but spinach wilts down quickly. Stir it around for 2 to 3 minutes until completely wilted and tender, adding fresh color and a lovely leafy texture to your dish.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Parmesan Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream, gently stirring to bring together everything in the skillet. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring, allowing it to melt into the cream and create a silky, luscious sauce that coats every bit of sausage and spinach.
Step 6: Season and Combine Pasta
Now it’s seasoning time! Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Finally, add your cooked penne pasta into the skillet and toss everything together, making sure each piece of pasta is generously coated with that creamy, cheesy sauce.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Garnish
Serve your One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe piping hot. For the finishing touch, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flakes if desired. This will elevate the flavors even more and create a dish that’s both visually appealing and incredibly tasty.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil instantly brightens this rich dish and adds a fresh herbal note. You can also add toasted pine nuts for crunch or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for added silkiness. These finishing touches make the dish feel special and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, which helps balance the richness on your plate. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a fantastic side, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pasta in shallow, wide bowls to showcase the beautiful creamy sauce and sausage chunks. For a cozy dinner, plate it family-style straight from the skillet at the table, encouraging everyone to dig in and share. Offering extra Parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes on the side makes it interactive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta tends to soak up the sauce as it sits, so it’s best eaten within 2 to 3 days to enjoy the freshest flavors and texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, but the texture of the spinach may soften after thawing. Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, ideally before adding the fresh spinach, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce back up. Stir frequently to warm evenly without separating the cream. Microwaving works too, but take care to stir halfway through to keep it creamy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle would also work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative for a similarly savory flavor. The spinach and creamy sauce will still make the dish hearty and satisfying.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Definitely. Sliced mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers make fantastic additions. Just sauté them with the sausage or spinach to incorporate their flavors before adding cream.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends mostly on your use of red pepper flakes. They’re optional and can be added to taste to give a gentle warmth or complete omitted if you prefer a milder meal.
What type of Italian sausage is best to use?
Sweet or mild Italian sausage works perfectly, but if you love a little heat, spicy Italian sausage adds a lovely kick. Choose the kind you enjoy most for the flavor profile you want.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a creamy pasta dish that comes together easily on a busy weeknight and still tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. This One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe hits all the right notes—savory, creamy, fresh, and satisfying. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your new go-to recipe when you crave something hearty and delicious with minimal fuss.
Print
One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender penne with a creamy Parmesan sauce, earthy spinach, and savory Italian sausage. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it delivers rich taste with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Sauce and Meat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 5 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
- Wilt Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine evenly. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Season and Combine: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet and toss to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy sauce mixture.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk but expect a less thick sauce.
- Remove casings from the sausage before cooking to ensure even browning and better texture.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby spinach or frozen spinach, though fresh yields better texture and flavor.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to preference for spiciness.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
