I can’t tell you how many times this dish has come to the rescue on a busy evening. When the day feels long and the energy to cook feels short, I turn to this One Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage. It’s comforting, hearty, and best of all — you only need one pan. That means less cleanup and more time to unwind with a delicious bowl of pasta.

The combination of rich, savory Italian sausage, tender penne pasta, and vibrant spinach all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce is simply irresistible. The flavors marry beautifully, giving you a dish that tastes like it took much more effort than it actually did. Whether I’m cooking for myself, family, or friends, this recipe never fails to please.

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

This dish checks all the right boxes: it’s quick, easy, and delivers big flavor. You’ll love the balance of creamy and savory notes, paired with the freshness of spinach. The one-pan method not only saves time but also allows the pasta to soak up every bit of flavor from the sausage and sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you crave a cozy meal without a pile of dishes to tackle afterward.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

When it comes to Italian sausage, you have a few delicious options. I personally love using mild Italian sausage for its subtle blend of herbs and spices, which complement the creamy sauce perfectly. If you’re craving a little heat, hot Italian sausage is a fantastic choice — it gives the dish a nice kick without overwhelming it. You can also opt for chicken or turkey sausage if you prefer a lighter version. The key is to use sausage that has plenty of flavor, as it forms the backbone of the dish.

Options for Substitutions

One of the reasons I adore this recipe is how flexible it is. If you find yourself missing an ingredient or just want to switch things up, here are a few easy substitutions:

Pasta: Swap penne for rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti — any sturdy pasta works.
Spinach: Kale or arugula can be used instead of spinach for a different flavor and texture.
Cream: You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream to lighten the sauce.
Cheese: Parmesan is classic, but Pecorino Romano or Asiago add a lovely sharpness.
Sausage: As mentioned, try chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.

These simple swaps let you make the dish your own — and use what you have on hand.

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

Every ingredient in this dish serves a purpose, coming together to create a rich and satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why it matters:

Italian Sausage: The heart of the flavor. It brings a savory, spiced depth to the sauce.
Penne Pasta: Its ridges and tubular shape hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
Fresh Spinach: Adds a burst of color, nutrients, and a slight earthy note to balance the richness.
Garlic: Infuses the dish with an irresistible aroma and subtle sharpness.
Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the sauce and helps cook the pasta in the same pan.
Heavy Cream: Delivers that velvety, luxurious texture we all love in creamy pastas.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
Olive Oil: Used to brown the sausage and build layers of flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every bite.
Italian Seasoning (optional): For a hint of extra herbaceousness if desired.

Together, these ingredients create a comforting dish that feels both indulgent and balanced.

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage if necessary, and add the sausage to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through. This step builds a flavorful base for the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

Once the sausage is nicely browned, add minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds to a minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn — you want the garlic to infuse the oil and sausage with its aroma.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Broth

Pour in the uncooked penne pasta and chicken broth. Stir to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the broth — about 12–15 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Spinach

Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the heavy cream. Add the fresh spinach, folding it into the pasta and sauce. The heat will wilt the spinach quickly, adding beautiful color and freshness.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Seasoning

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning if desired. Let everything simmer for another minute or two until the sauce thickens to your liking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon the creamy penne with sausage and spinach into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper if you like — then dig in!

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

This dish comes together surprisingly quickly, which is one of the reasons I reach for it so often. Here’s a rough timeline:

Browning sausage: about 5–7 minutes
Sautéing garlic: 1 minute
Cooking pasta in broth: 12–15 minutes
Finishing with cream, spinach, and cheese: 3–5 minutes

Total cook time: roughly 20–25 minutes. Not bad for a meal that tastes like it simmered for hours!

Tips for Perfect One Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned after making this dish more times than I can count:

Use high-quality sausage: The flavor of the sausage carries the dish, so choose one you really enjoy.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep an eye on it and test for doneness — you want it tender but still with a little bite.
Add the spinach at the end: This keeps it vibrant and prevents it from becoming mushy.
Balance the sauce: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of broth or cream; if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a minute or two.
Season at the end: Parmesan can add saltiness, so taste after stirring it in before adding more salt.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple one-pan dish can have its pitfalls. Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your One Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage turns out beautifully every time:

Using too much liquid: Stick to the recommended amount of broth. Adding too much can lead to a watery sauce.
Overcrowding the pan: Use a large, deep skillet so everything cooks evenly and the pasta can absorb the flavors properly.
Overcooking the pasta: Since the pasta cooks directly in the broth, keep an eye on it — it can go from perfectly al dente to mushy quickly.
Adding spinach too early: Add it at the end so it stays fresh and vibrant.
Skipping the tasting step: Always taste before serving! You might want to adjust seasoning or add a little more cheese for richness.

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

While this pasta is hearty enough to be the star of the meal, a few thoughtful sides can round it out beautifully. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

Garlic Bread

Classic, crunchy, and perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring a bright, summery contrast.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds a nice texture and a healthy green side.

Sautéed Green Beans

Crisp-tender beans with a hint of garlic are a great match.

Marinated Olives

A salty, briny snack to nibble between bites of creamy pasta.

A Glass of White Wine

A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce wonderfully.

Storage Instructions

If you find yourself with leftovers — lucky you! This dish stores very well and makes for a delicious lunch or quick dinner the next day.

Refrigerator: Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a pan over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed, as it tends to thicken in the fridge.
Freezing: I don’t typically recommend freezing this dish — the cream-based sauce can sometimes separate upon thawing, affecting the texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge within a few days.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate per serving (assuming about 4 generous servings from the recipe). Keep in mind that actual values may vary based on the specific brands and quantities used:

Calories: ~600–650 kcal
Protein: ~25–30 g
Carbohydrates: ~45–50 g
Fat: ~35–40 g
Fiber: ~3–4 g
Sugar: ~3–5 g
Sodium: ~900–1100 mg

This is definitely a hearty, satisfying dish — a little indulgent, but worth every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta works best besides penne?

You can use other short, sturdy pastas like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. They all hold the creamy sauce well.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes! Just thaw it and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the dish. It won’t be quite as fresh-tasting as fresh spinach, but it’s a great shortcut.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can cook it earlier in the day and reheat it gently. Just add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

How do I make this dish lighter?

You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use a leaner sausage like chicken or turkey sausage.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Use a plant-based sausage or skip it entirely and add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavorful vegetarian version.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring your sausage and broth are gluten-free as well.

What herbs can I add for extra flavor?

Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme are lovely additions. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a gentle heat.

Will leftovers still taste good?

Definitely! The flavors meld even more after a night in the fridge. Just reheat gently and enjoy.

Conclusion

One Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage is a dish that delivers big comfort with minimal fuss. It’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for those nights when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With its creamy sauce, savory sausage, and tender pasta, it’s a meal that always hits the spot. I hope it becomes one of your favorites too — enjoy every bite!