One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage – Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner!
If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in just one pan — this creamy penne with spinach and Italian sausage will quickly become your go-to. Packed with flavor, loaded with greens, and drenched in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, this dish checks all the boxes: easy cleanup, comforting texture, and bold Italian flavors.
Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or cooking for guests, this one-pan pasta is guaranteed to impress — no fancy ingredients or complicated steps required!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (about 2 ½ cups) penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 5 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Zest of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
- Extra Parmesan, for topping
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Why reserve pasta water? It helps thin the sauce later and helps it cling perfectly to the pasta thanks to the starch.
2. Brown the Sausage
In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until browned and slightly crispy at the edges.
3. Add Garlic and Spinach
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant — be careful not to burn it. Add the spinach in batches, stirring gently until wilted. This should take about 2–3 minutes.
Don’t worry if the spinach looks like too much — it shrinks significantly once cooked.
4. Make the Cream Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add in the Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick — about ¼ cup at a time — until you get a velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until every piece is coated in the creamy, savory sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
For an added touch of brightness and complexity, stir in a bit of lemon zest just before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and fresh cracked pepper. Pair it with a simple green salad or warm garlic bread for a complete Italian-style dinner.
Pro Tips:
- Make it ahead: The sauce thickens beautifully if made a few hours in advance. Just reheat gently with a splash of cream or pasta water.
- Want it spicier? Use hot Italian sausage and extra chili flakes.
- Go vegetarian: Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms or meat-free crumbles.
FAQs:
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! Fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle all work great with this creamy sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
Can I freeze it?
The sauce may separate slightly after freezing, but it can be reheated successfully with some stirring and cream added. Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan = fewer dishes
- 30-minute total cook time
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Perfect balance of creamy, savory, and green