Description

This creamy Italian sausage pasta recipe combines savory browned sausage, tender penne pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce flavored with garlic, onions, and Italian herbs. Finished with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, it’s a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

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Sausage and Vegetables

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Liquids and Seasonings

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste

Pasta and Greens

12 ounces penne pasta (or preferred pasta)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional garnish)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
Brown Sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Make Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), heavy cream, chicken broth, and sprinkle in Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss the mixture until the spinach wilts and the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil if desired.

Notes

You can substitute kale for spinach to add a different texture and flavor.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a refreshing side salad for a complete meal.
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course, Pasta
Method: Stovetop, Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Calories: 540
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 820 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 24 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg