Cheesy Sausage Penne
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Sausage Penne, a hearty and flavorful pasta dish that brings a touch of Italian-inspired magic to your table! Tender penne pasta is perfectly coated in a rich, creamy marinara sauce infused with garlic, parmesan, and a hint of spice from optional red pepper flakes. Juicy, golden-browned Italian sausage adds a savory depth, while a generous blanket of melty mozzarella cheese takes each bite to the next level. Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-skillet wonder is as simple as it is satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner with friends. Garnished with vibrant fresh parsley, this cheesy pasta recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's destined to become a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage if necessary, and add the sausage to the skillet.
Cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked sausage and drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta mixture in the skillet. Cover with a lid and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Serve immediately, and enjoy your warm and cheesy sausage penne!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
968 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 70.8 g | 91% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.4 g | 167% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 193 mg | 64% | |
| Sodium | 2166 mg | 94% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.2 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.0 g | ||
| Protein | 45.1 g | 90% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 560 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 483 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
