One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

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Few dishes deliver comfort quite like a bowl of creamy pasta, and this One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage does exactly that—without the need for multiple pots or hours in the kitchen. Each bite wraps you in rich, velvety cream sauce, juicy bits of seasoned Italian sausage, and tender pasta, while fresh spinach adds a vibrant pop of color and nutrients. It’s a perfect balance of indulgence and wholesomeness.

This meal is made for weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious, yet simple to prepare. The one-pan method cuts down on cleanup and keeps all the flavors beautifully married together. Whether you’re serving your family or cooking for guests, this easy dinner idea guarantees satisfied smiles around the table.

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Ingredients for One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper for garnish

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Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté for about 6–8 minutes, or until fully browned and no longer pink. Remove excess grease if needed, but leave a little for flavor.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Build the Sauce Base

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful browned bits.

Step 3: Add Penne and Simmer

Add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the pan. Stir everything together, then bring the liquid to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a sauce.

Step 4: Stir in Spinach and Cheese

Add the fresh baby spinach to the pan. Stir until the leaves wilt—this only takes about a minute. Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir again until everything is creamy and well blended.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste the pasta and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Spoon into bowls, top with a little extra Parmesan and freshly ground pepper, and enjoy while hot!

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Storage Instructions

To keep your One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage fresh, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through. For best results, avoid freezing, as the creamy sauce may separate in texture after thawing.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~610 kcal
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 790mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g

Note: Nutrition may vary slightly depending on sausage type and exact ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of sausage should I use?

You can use either spicy or mild Italian sausage, depending on your preference. Chicken sausage or even plant-based sausage alternatives work well too.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes! Thaw and drain frozen spinach before adding it to the dish. Use about 1 cup of frozen spinach as a substitute.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

You can swap heavy cream with unsweetened oat or coconut cream, and use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for a non-dairy twist.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sausage and broth are certified gluten-free.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much during cooking or reheating, simply stir in a little extra broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini make excellent additions. Sauté them along with the sausage or add near the end with spinach.

Will this recipe work with other types of pasta?

Yes, short pasta like rotini, rigatoni, or shells work great. Cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on texture.

How spicy is this dish?

With mild Italian sausage and no red pepper flakes, it’s not spicy. Add the flakes or use hot sausage for extra heat.

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