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How to Make One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove any excess grease, if necessary, and add the minced garlic. Cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and diced tomatoes (if using) into the pan with the sausage. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the penne pasta. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick together.
Step 3: Add the Cream and Spinach
- Once the pasta is cooked, pour in the heavy cream and stir to create a creamy sauce.
- Add the fresh spinach and continue to stir until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra layer of richness, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the spinach has wilted and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy a deliciously creamy, comforting meal!
Tips for Making the Best One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
- Customize the Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your flavor preference. For a different twist, try using chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
- Use Half-and-Half or Milk: If you’re looking for a lighter version of the sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. The sauce will be a little less rich but still creamy and satisfying.
- Add More Veggies: If you love vegetables, feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just sauté them with the sausage and garlic for extra flavor.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free penne or any other gluten-free pasta of your choice to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Leftovers: This recipe makes great leftovers. The flavors continue to meld together, and it reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Why This One-Pan Creamy Penne is So Special
This dish is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh. The combination of hearty Italian sausage, tender penne pasta, and creamy spinach sauce creates a comforting meal that’s packed with flavor. The richness of the sauce, paired with the slight spice from the sausage and the freshness of the spinach, makes every bite satisfying.
What truly makes this recipe stand out is how simple and convenient it is. With everything cooked in just one pan, there’s less time spent cleaning up and more time to enjoy a delicious dinner with your loved ones. Plus, it’s a flexible recipe, so you can customize it based on what you have on hand or what flavors you love most.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy pasta dish is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, but you can also pair it with a variety of sides to create a more complete meal. Consider serving with:
- Garlic bread: The crispy, buttery texture of garlic bread complements the creamy pasta perfectly.
- Green salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful side to balance out the meal.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something quick, easy, and delicious. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding the family or enjoying a quiet dinner, this dish delivers on all fronts: rich, creamy, and packed with savory sausage and fresh spinach.
Try this recipe today, and treat yourself to a bowl of creamy pasta heaven!
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