Creamy Sausage Penne
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Sausage Penne, a rich and satisfying pasta dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Featuring tender penne pasta enveloped in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, this recipe is elevated with the bold flavors of browned Italian sausage, sautéed onions, and a hint of garlic. A touch of crushed red pepper flakes adds optional heat, balancing the creamy richness for a delightful kick. Quick and easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, this one-pan meal is garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Pair it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete experience. For lovers of creamy pasta recipes, this delicious dish is sure to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 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 and 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 with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, if using, and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy sauce. Add the drained penne pasta and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
Allow the pasta to warm through for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Garnish with fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4284 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 279.7 g | 359% | |
| Saturated Fat | 131.5 g | 658% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 758 mg | 252% | |
| Sodium | 7440 mg | 323% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 273.9 g | 100% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.7 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.4 g | ||
| Protein | 147.4 g | 295% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1037 mg | 80% | |
| Iron | 19.3 mg | 107% | |
| Potassium | 2076 mg | 44% | |
*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.
