Name: One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 8 oz Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed; 2 cups fresh spinach; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3–4 cups water or chicken broth (enough to just cover pasta); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

I can still remember the first time I made this One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage—it was on a weeknight when I had barely any time, and even less motivation to cook. I grabbed what I had in the fridge: some Italian sausage, a handful of spinach, and a box of penne. I tossed everything into one pan, hoping for the best. What came out was a velvety, comforting pasta dish that instantly earned a permanent place in my weeknight dinner rotation.

This recipe is everything I love in a meal: quick, deeply flavorful, and satisfying without being fussy. The sausage adds that hearty, spiced punch, while the spinach brings a gentle earthiness that cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce. And the best part? It’s all done in one pan—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

If you’re a fan of easy dinners that don’t skimp on flavor, this recipe is a keeper. It’s creamy without being too heavy, loaded with savory bites of sausage, and perfectly balanced by the fresh spinach. The penne holds onto that luscious sauce in every bite, and since it all cooks in the same pan, the pasta absorbs the flavors of the sausage and sauce as it simmers. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just feeding yourself, it’s a comforting meal that feels gourmet without the effort.

What Kind of Sausage Works Best for One-Pan Creamy Penne?

I love using sweet or mild Italian sausage for this dish because it brings that signature blend of fennel, garlic, and herbs without overpowering the creamy sauce. But if you like a little heat, spicy Italian sausage is an excellent choice—it gives the sauce a gentle kick that plays so well with the creaminess. You can use links and remove the casing, or go for ground sausage to save a step. Pork is traditional, but chicken or turkey sausage work beautifully too if you’re after something a bit lighter.

Options for Substitutions

This dish is super flexible, which makes it even more appealing on busy nights. Don’t have spinach? Kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula make great swaps. Penne is my go-to pasta for this, but rigatoni, rotini, or even fusilli hold up well in the creamy sauce.

Lactose intolerant? Use a dairy-free cream or coconut milk (just make sure it’s unsweetened!). Vegetarian? You can leave out the sausage entirely and add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for richness and depth. And if you’re gluten-free, sub in your favorite gluten-free pasta—just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly.

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

Penne Pasta
This pasta shape is perfect for catching all the creamy sauce in its ridges and tubes, making each bite full of flavor.

Italian Sausage
The star of the dish—adds depth, spice, and that rich, meaty base that infuses the entire sauce. Choose sweet or spicy depending on your mood.

Fresh Spinach
Brings a pop of green and a slight bitterness that balances the richness of the cream. It wilts beautifully right into the sauce.

Garlic
Essential for adding aromatic depth and that warm, savory backbone to the sauce.

Onion
Gently sweetens the base and adds a layer of flavor that complements both the sausage and the sauce.

Heavy Cream
Creates the luscious, velvety texture that makes this dish so comforting. You can also use half-and-half if you prefer it a little lighter.

Parmesan Cheese
Adds umami, saltiness, and a slight nuttiness—plus it thickens the sauce perfectly.

Olive Oil
Used to sauté the aromatics and sausage—brings everything together with richness.

Salt and Black Pepper
To season everything just right—add gradually and taste as you go to make sure the flavors shine.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
If you want to dial up the heat just a little more, a pinch of these adds a fiery kick.

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics

Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Once it’s nearly cooked through, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, and the sausage is nicely browned.

Step 2: Add the Pasta and Liquid

Pour the uncooked penne straight into the pan with the sausage. Add enough water or chicken broth to just cover the pasta (about 3 to 4 cups, depending on your pan size). Season with a bit of salt and pepper, then bring everything to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Simmer and Soften

Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the pasta to become tender and most of the liquid to absorb.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Spinach

Once the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly evaporated, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Add the spinach by handfuls, letting it wilt into the sauce. This should only take a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

Give everything a final taste. Add more salt, black pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. The sauce should be creamy and cling to the pasta. Serve hot, and if you want to get fancy, top with extra parmesan and cracked black pepper.

How Long to Cook One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

From start to finish, this dish takes about 30 minutes. Browning the sausage and aromatics takes around 8–10 minutes, while simmering the pasta until tender is another 10–12 minutes. The final step—adding cream, cheese, and spinach—just needs 3–5 minutes to come together. It’s fast, satisfying, and perfect for a busy night when you want real food without the long wait.

Tips for Perfect One-Pan Creamy Penne

Use a deep skillet or wide pan so everything cooks evenly and there’s enough room for the pasta to move around.
Stir the pasta occasionally while it simmers to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is ideal, especially since it will continue to soften slightly in the hot sauce.
Add the spinach at the end so it stays vibrant and doesn’t get overcooked or mushy.
Grate the parmesan fresh for the best melt and flavor—pre-grated cheese often doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed; the sausage and cheese already bring saltiness, so go easy at first.
Let the sauce sit for 1–2 minutes off heat before serving—it thickens beautifully and clings to the pasta even more.
Customize the spice level with crushed red pepper or a spicier sausage if you like a little kick.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this dish is simple, a few small missteps can make a difference:

Adding too much liquid: Only add enough broth or water to cover the pasta. If there’s too much, the sauce will be watery instead of creamy.
Not browning the sausage enough: That caramelization adds tons of flavor—don’t rush it.
Skipping the stir while simmering: Pasta can stick to the bottom of the pan if left untouched for too long.
Overcooking the spinach: It only takes a minute or two to wilt—add it last to keep it bright and fresh.
Using low-fat cream or milk: It may split or turn watery when cooked. Stick to heavy cream or at least half-and-half for that velvety texture.
Dumping in all the cheese at once: Add it gradually while stirring to avoid clumps.
Not tasting as you go: Sausage and cheese bring salt—season carefully to avoid overdoing it.
Letting the pasta sit too long before serving: The sauce will thicken quickly, so serve right away for the perfect creamy consistency.

What to Serve With One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up that extra sauce. It’s a must on pasta night.

Simple Arugula Salad

Peppery arugula tossed with lemon juice and olive oil balances the richness of the dish.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze—it’s fresh and light.

Roasted Veggies

Try roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli with a sprinkle of parmesan for a tasty side.

A Glass of Red Wine

Something like a Chianti or Zinfandel pairs beautifully with the sausage and cream sauce.

Marinated Olives

A briny snack or appetizer that complements the richness of the pasta.

Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re in a soup-and-pasta kind of mood, this makes a cozy pairing.

A Light Dessert

Think panna cotta, lemon sorbet, or even a few dark chocolate squares to finish the meal.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? You’re in luck—this dish reheats beautifully. Store any remaining One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When reheating, add a splash of cream, milk, or even water to loosen the sauce as it warms up. A quick reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat works best, but the microwave does the job too—just stir halfway through for even warming.

Freezing isn’t ideal due to the creamy sauce, which can separate upon thawing. If you must freeze, let it cool completely, store it in a freezer-safe container, and reheat slowly with added cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings total):

Calories: ~620
Protein: ~24g
Carbohydrates: ~48g
Fat: ~38g
Saturated Fat: ~17g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~4g
Sodium: ~880mg
Calcium: ~200mg
Iron: ~3mg

Please note, these values are estimates and can vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked sausage instead of raw?

Yes, you can! Just slice or crumble it and warm it in the pan with the onions and garlic. You’ll miss out on some of the flavor that comes from browning raw sausage, but it’s a great shortcut.

What’s the best pasta shape if I don’t have penne?

Rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle work well. Anything with ridges or grooves that can hold onto that creamy sauce is a good swap.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely. Simply omit the sausage and use mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a plant-based sausage alternative for that umami depth.

Is there a non-dairy substitute for heavy cream?

Yes! You can use full-fat coconut milk (unsweetened) or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute. Keep in mind the flavor may change slightly.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Make sure to add the cream at a gentle simmer—not a boil. High heat can cause the fats to split, especially with lighter cream.

Can I add more veggies to this dish?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, peas, or zucchini would all blend in beautifully and add some variety.

How do I make this spicier?

Use spicy Italian sausage or toss in some crushed red pepper flakes while the sausage browns. You can also add a dash of hot sauce at the end.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Just use a larger pan and adjust your liquid slightly. Keep an eye on the pasta—larger batches may need a little more simmer time.

Conclusion

One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage checks every box for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s ready in around 30 minutes. It’s rich, hearty, and easy to customize with whatever you’ve got on hand. Whether it’s a last-minute weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this pasta brings warmth and satisfaction in every creamy bite. Trust me—once you try it, it’ll earn a regular spot in your meal rotation.