Penne with Cabbage and Italian Sausage in Marinara Sauce
Elevate your weeknight pasta game with this hearty and flavorful Penne with Cabbage and Italian Sausage in Marinara Sauce. This recipe combines the satisfying chew of al dente penne pasta with the savory richness of browned Italian sausage, tender sautéed cabbage, and a robust marinara sauce. A sprinkling of red pepper flakes adds a customizable kick, while freshly grated parmesan and chopped basil bring a touch of elegance to every bite. Packed with wholesome ingredients, this one-skillet wonder comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to impress with a rustic Italian-inspired dish, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups green cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated, for serving)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet and season with salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the cabbage mixture.
Pour in the marinara sauce and add the red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
565 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.4 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.0 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 72 mg | 24% | |
| Sodium | 1499 mg | 65% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.5 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.4 g | ||
| Protein | 24.1 g | 48% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 189 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 430 mg | 9% | |
*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.
