Penne with Sausage and Spinach
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Penne with Sausage and Spinach, a hearty, one-pan pasta dish that's both satisfying and easy to make. This recipe combines al dente penne pasta with savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a creamy Parmesan-infused sauce that clings to every bite. A touch of garlic and optional crushed red pepper flakes elevate the flavor profile, while a splash of reserved pasta water ensures a perfectly silky texture. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining. Serve it hot with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for a final touch of indulgence. Perfect for lovers of quick, flavorful Italian-inspired meals!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 0.25 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 5 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for serving)
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cups water (reserved pasta cooking water)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
695 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.0 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.8 g | 94% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 120 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 1410 mg | 61% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.4 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.9 g | ||
| Protein | 29.8 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 201 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 489 mg | 10% | |
*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.
