One Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

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Creamy, savory, and utterly comforting—this One Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage brings everything you want in a weeknight dinner together in one skillet. It’s rich with a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, perfectly seasoned Italian sausage, and tender spinach that melts right into the pasta. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping lunches, this dish wins on flavor and simplicity.

What makes this recipe a standout is its minimal cleanup and bold taste. The pasta cooks right in the pan with the sausage and sauce, soaking up every bit of the seasoned broth and cream. The final dish is creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy, and well-balanced with greens—a dinner that’s indulgent but grounded with freshness.

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Ingredients for this One Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

• 12 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, sliced or crumbled)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley or basil for garnish

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Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and the Italian sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is fully cooked and nicely browned. If using crumbled sausage, break it up as it cooks.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Spice

Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the uncooked penne pasta and stir again. Make sure the pasta is submerged as much as possible.

Step 4: Simmer and Stir

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Cheese

Stir in the chopped spinach and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese is fully melted into a creamy sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy straight from the skillet for that cozy, rustic feel.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish lighter?

Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use turkey sausage and reduce the cheese to lighten the meal.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Penne is great for catching the sauce, but rotini, rigatoni, or even shells work well in this one-pan method.

Is this dish spicy?

It depends on your sausage and whether you add the red pepper flakes. You can skip the flakes and use mild sausage for a kid-friendly version.

What can I use instead of spinach?

Kale, arugula, or Swiss chard are great alternatives. Just be sure to cook them down thoroughly.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or canned white beans for a protein-packed vegetarian version.

Will the pasta overcook in the pan?

Not if you monitor it and stir occasionally. Once it’s al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed, remove it from the heat promptly.

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