Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta combines savory ground Italian sausage with tender penne pasta in a rich and luscious heavy cream sauce, infused with garlic, onions, and spicy red pepper flakes. Baby spinach adds a fresh touch of color and nutrients, while parmesan cheese melts in for a delightful cheesy finish. Ready in just 20 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Pasta
- 1 Pound Ground Italian Sausage
- 1 Pound Penne Pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 Yellow Onion, minced
- 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 5 Ounces Baby Spinach
Seasonings and Dairy
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 2 Cups Heavy Cream
- 1 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Sausage. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, minced onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook thoroughly until the sausage is no longer pink, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
- Drain Excess Fat. If there is excess fat in the skillet, carefully drain it off and return the sausage mixture back to the pan.
- Add Cream and Simmer. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Spinach. Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Melt in Cheese. Stir in the shredded parmesan cheese until it melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta thoroughly with the creamy sausage sauce.
- Serve Immediately. Plate the pasta right away to enjoy the dish at its best creamy and flavorful state.
Notes
- Use hot water for cooking pasta to ensure it cooks evenly.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, noting that the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the sausage to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese offers better melting quality and flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- You can add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
