Turn weeknight cooking into a stress-free delight with this one-pan Skillet Pasta Dinner, a hearty and flavorful recipe that's perfect for busy families. This comforting dish combines tender penne pasta, juicy ground Italian sausage, and a savory tomato broth, all cooked together in just one skillet for minimal cleanup. A touch of heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious creaminess, while fresh baby spinach brings a pop of color and nutrition. With the bold flavors of Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic, this easy skillet pasta is a crowd-pleaser that's ready in just 35 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe packs simplicity, flavor, and convenience in every bite.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes.
Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their liquid) and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, add the penne pasta to the skillet, stirring to ensure the pasta is fully submerged.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pasta cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes or until tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, optionally garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley.
Calories |
3741 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 216.6 g | 278% | |
| Saturated Fat | 81.5 g | 408% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 495 mg | 165% | |
| Sodium | 8356 mg | 363% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 298.3 g | 108% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.6 g | 88% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.7 g | ||
| Protein | 145.1 g | 290% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 895 mg | 69% | |
| Iron | 25.4 mg | 141% | |
| Potassium | 3714 mg | 79% | |
*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.