Description
This One Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage is a comforting, flavorful pasta dish made entirely in one pan for easy cooking and cleanup. Featuring savory Italian sausage, tender penne pasta, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, it’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in uncooked penne and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in heavy cream and add fresh spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently, until spinach is wilted.
- Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Taste and season with salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Simmer for 1–2 more minutes to thicken the sauce if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.