Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta, a one-pan wonder that combines tender penne pasta with savory Italian sausage, a luscious tomato-cream sauce, and a hint of Parmesan cheese. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering restaurant-quality results right at home. Customize it with mild or spicy sausage and optional baby spinach for added color and nutrients. Packed with garlic, onion, and a touch of red pepper flakes for depth, this cozy pasta dish offers a harmonious blend of creaminess and bold Italian flavors. Serve it hot with extra Parmesan on top for a comforting meal that's guaranteed to impress.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 12 ounces Penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 medium Yellow onion (finely diced)
- 1 cup Crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 3 ounces Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 2 cups Baby spinach (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well, ensuring the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. If you’re including baby spinach, add it to the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until wilted.
Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sausage sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3316 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 229.4 g | 294% | |
| Saturated Fat | 103.6 g | 518% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 628 mg | 209% | |
| Sodium | 8442 mg | 367% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 147.3 g | 54% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.3 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.5 g | ||
| Protein | 138.5 g | 277% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1285 mg | 99% | |
| Iron | 14.2 mg | 79% | |
| Potassium | 2873 mg | 61% | |
*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.
