Penne in Cream Sauce with Sausage
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Penne in Cream Sauce with Sausage, a hearty and satisfying pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal. This recipe combines perfectly cooked al dente penne with crumbled Italian sausage, caramelized onions, and a luxurious cream sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese. A touch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick, while fresh parsley brightens the dish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this creamy pasta is as quick and easy as it is delicious. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for the ultimate Italian-inspired feast!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy, removed from casings)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp 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, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy consistency.
Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, followed by the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed. Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
662 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.9 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.2 g | 111% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 120 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 1402 mg | 61% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.2 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.3 g | ||
| Protein | 22.2 g | 44% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 253 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 279 mg | 6% | |
*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.
