Treat yourself to pure comfort with this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe! It’s a luscious, flavor-packed dinner that brings together tender penne, golden-browned Italian sausage, silky cream, and a pop of fresh spinach in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for the family on a busy weeknight or impressing friends at a casual dinner, this dish manages to be both wonderfully simple and spectacularly satisfying.

Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things deliciously straightforward: a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing a starring role in the final dish. Don’t let their simplicity fool you—each one adds essential taste, texture, or a burst of color that makes this pasta shine.

Penne pasta: Perfectly shaped to capture all the creamy sauce in its ridges and tubes.
Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Choose your favorite for extra heat or classic richness—either way, it delivers the backbone of flavor.
Olive oil: Give everything a fragrant, golden start (and keep sausage from sticking).
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and a beautiful savory depth.
Garlic: Essential for real Italian-inspired aroma and zest.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Add a little spark if you love subtle heat.
Heavy cream: Responsible for that luxurious, velvety sauce.
Chicken broth: Lends savory complexity and keeps things from feeling too heavy.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for that melt-in creamy umami punch.
Italian seasoning: Balances everything with classic herbal notes.
Baby spinach: Wilts down for color, freshness, and a little nutrient boost.
Salt and pepper: Essential for rounding out and heightening every flavor.
Fresh parsley: A final sprinkle for color and a clean finish on your plate.

How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling a generous pot of salted water, then cook your penne pasta until al dente—just how you like it. Drain the noodles and set them aside; you want them ready for the sauce, eager to soak up all the creamy goodness later on.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Drop in the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, until nicely browned and cooked through—the sausage should be crumbly and fragrant. If you’ve got excess grease, spoon it out to keep the sauce silky.

Step 3: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Red Pepper Flakes

Add in your diced onion, letting it soften and become translucent for about 3 to 4 minutes. When the onion’s almost there, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you want a gentle warmth). Let these sizzle for a minute—this quick step makes the base of the sauce taste incredible.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to blend all those flavors together. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, letting the sauce thicken ever so slightly. This is when kitchen aromas really start to draw a crowd!

Step 5: Stir in Cheese, Seasoning, and Spinach

Lower the heat and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Give it all a good stir, then toss in the baby spinach. Let it wilt into the sauce—it won’t take long before you see pops of green peeking through the creamy base.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta and Finish

Add your cooked penne straight into the skillet, tossing until every piece is coated luxuriously in sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Right before serving, scatter fresh parsley over the top for that final flourish. The Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is officially ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle plenty of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra shavings of Parmesan over the top for an herbaceous, cheesy finish. If you like a hint of heat, an extra pinch of red pepper flakes makes for a dazzling finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy Italian sausage pasta recipe with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or go for roasted vegetables for a colorful, nutrient-rich side. Of course, warm, crusty bread is a must for mopping up every last bit of that dreamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta piled high in shallow bowls, family-style in a big platter, or even in individual ramekins for a fun dinner-party twist. For an extra wow factor, finish each plate with a drizzle of good olive oil or a few grinds of black pepper right at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra creamy sausage pasta, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, making it a delicious option for next-day lunches or quick meals on busy evenings.

Freezing

While cream sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, this recipe holds up reasonably well. Freeze cooled portions in tightly sealed containers for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm individual servings on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s silkiness. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered loosely, stirring halfway through until hot all the way through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne is classic for this creamy Italian sausage pasta recipe, you can substitute other short shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Long pastas like fettuccine work too, if that’s what you have on hand.

Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?

Yes! Swap some or all of the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce. The result will be a bit less rich, but still deliciously creamy and satisfying.

What if I don’t eat pork?

No problem at all. Chicken or turkey Italian sausage are wonderful lean swaps in this recipe, and they soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. You can even use plant-based sausage for a meatless version.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even peas. This creamy Italian sausage pasta recipe is flexible, so add your favorite vegetables for extra color and flavor.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free version. Most gluten-free pastas work perfectly with creamy sauces and will help everyone enjoy this comforting dinner.

Final Thoughts

If you crave comfort with a dash of excitement, give the Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe a try—it just might become your new dinner hero. With its rich, robust flavors and friendly prep time, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Gather your loved ones, break out your biggest pasta bowls, and dive in!

Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a rich and comforting Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta dish that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. This recipe combines al dente penne pasta with flavorful Italian sausage, creamy sauce, and nutritious spinach for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Penne Pasta:

12 ounces penne pasta

Italian Sausage:

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

Other Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups baby spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Penne Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Italian Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Cook Italian sausage until browned. Add onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
Finish the Dish: Add spinach, cooked pasta, and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley.