Penne and Italian Sausage
Indulge in the hearty comfort of Penne and Italian Sausage, a quick and flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. This recipe combines al dente penne with savory Italian sausage, all tossed in a rich, creamy marinara sauce infused with hints of garlic and crushed red pepper for a subtle kick. Finished with grated Parmesan and fresh basil, this dish is a celebration of classic Italian flavors with a luxurious twist. With just 10 minutes of prep and a total cook time of 30 minutes, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious, making it an irresistible choice for busy families. Serve this soul-warming creation with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Perfect for pasta lovers seeking bold flavors!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 cups, grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh basil leaves
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage (if applicable) and add the sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to develop flavor, stirring occasionally.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and mix well to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Toss the cooked penne pasta with the sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Garnish the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3784 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 218.3 g | 280% | |
| Saturated Fat | 80.2 g | 401% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 25.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 527 mg | 176% | |
| Sodium | 7046 mg | 306% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 297.6 g | 108% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.7 g | 74% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.0 g | ||
| Protein | 148.7 g | 297% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.5 mcg | 23% | |
| Calcium | 607 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 20.3 mg | 113% | |
| Potassium | 2326 mg | 49% | |
*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.
