If you’re in search of a pasta dish that’s outrageously creamy, packed with flavor, and requires just simple everyday ingredients, look no further than this Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe. A cozy combination of Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and penne all blanketed in a dreamy Parmesan cream sauce—it’s basically the hug your taste buds deserve after a long day. This meal is a weeknight lifesaver but feels special enough to whip up for friends or family, all in about 30 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s a lot to love about this Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe, but the real magic is how each basic ingredient transforms the whole dish. Every element lends its own tasty touch, from the sausage’s savory depth to the fresh brightness of spinach. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip a single one:
- Penne pasta: The sturdy, tubular shape grips all that velvety sauce and sausage perfectly.
- Olive oil: Just a tablespoon helps brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics for layers of flavor.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Use your favorite—mild for gentle flavor, spicy for a kick.
- Onion: Sautéed diced onion builds up the aromatics and adds natural sweetness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings an irresistible warmth to the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a pop of heat that balances the creaminess.
- Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and infuses everything with savory depth.
- Heavy cream: The secret to a luscious, silky sauce you’ll want to mop up with bread.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for nutty, salty richness and a thickened sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of classic herbs for that signature Italian-inspired taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Fine-tune the flavor right at the end for perfect balance.
- Fresh baby spinach: Adds color, freshness, and a bit of nutrition to every bite.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Sprinkle on top for a fresh, vibrant finish and pretty presentation.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start things off by bringing a big pot of generously salted water to a boil. Toss in your penne pasta and cook it until it’s al dente—just tender but still slightly firm. Giving the pasta just the right bite means it will hold up when you mix everything together later. Once it’s ready, drain it and set aside for now.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While your noodles are doing their thing, grab a large skillet and heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Drop in the sausage (with the casings removed) and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t rush this part: golden, caramelized sausage adds so much flavor to the Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Once your sausage is perfectly browned, add the diced onion right into the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens up and gets all fragrant. Next, toss in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté those for just 30 seconds (no longer—garlic can burn quickly!) to really wake up the flavors.
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
Pour in the chicken broth, using a spatula to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan—those bits are flavor gold! Let the broth bubble for a moment, creating a savory base for your cream sauce.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together, then let the sauce simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until it thickens up a bit. This is when the whole kitchen starts to smell like an Italian trattoria and you’ll want to grab a spoon for a taste (go ahead—I won’t tell!).
Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Pasta
Add the fresh baby spinach straight into the skillet. It’ll seem like a lot at first but will wilt down in a minute or two, adding beautiful color and extra nutrition. Finally, toss in your cooked penne and give it all a gentle stir so every piece is coated in saucy, savory goodness. Give a final taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe onto plates or bowls, finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley (if you like), and serve hot. Watch as everyone digs in—and maybe, just maybe, they’ll pause long enough to thank you for this incredible dinner.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
This pasta absolutely shines with a handful of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra shavings of Parmesan over the top. For a touch of pep, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a scattering of toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. Simple, but those little extras make this Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe pop every time.
Side Dishes
Pairing this dish is a breeze—think warm garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce, or a crisp green salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette to balance out all the creaminess. Roasted veggies or even a tangy pickled side add a fantastic contrast, making the meal feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little fancy, serve the pasta in individual bowls with a spiral of spinach on top or nestle it into a family-style platter with lots of fresh herbs. You can even portion it out in small ramekins for party-friendly bites—everyone loves the Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe as a fun, unexpected hors d’oeuvre!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers (it happens, but not often!), store cooled pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days—just long enough for you to crave it again.
Freezing
While fresh cream sauces can sometimes separate a bit after thawing, you can freeze this pasta in a pinch. Let it cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir gently while reheating to bring everything back together.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of cream, milk, or even chicken broth to loosen the sauce, then warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—cover the bowl loosely and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until the Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe is heated through and creamy again.
FAQs
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you’ll still get all the flavor.
What kind of sausage works best?
Both mild and spicy Italian sausage are perfect—choose whichever suits your palate or mix the two for a balanced kick. Even chicken or turkey Italian sausage works if you want a lighter twist.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is flexible. Try tossing in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini. Adjust the timing to add these with your onions or spinach so they cook through nicely.
Is there a way to make it lighter?
For a lighter Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use chicken sausage and skip the extra cheese garnish. You’ll still get a creamy sauce, just with a bit less richness.
Can I prep anything ahead?
You sure can! Dice your onions, mince your garlic, and even brown the sausage in advance—just store the cooked sausage in the fridge and finish the recipe when you’re ready. Homemade garlic bread can be made ahead too for quicker serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a plate of pasta that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing. This Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe is a surefire hit for any night of the week, and its inviting flavor is hard to resist. Next time you crave a hearty, homemade meal, I hope you’ll give this one a try—and don’t forget to savor every creamy, cheesy bite!
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Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a rich and satisfying dinner with this Creamy Sausage Pasta recipe. Tender penne pasta is tossed in a luxurious creamy sauce with Italian sausage, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, creating a flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil penne pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Sear the sausage: In a skillet, cook Italian sausage until browned. Add onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Make the sauce: Pour in chicken broth, then add heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Finish the dish: Add spinach, cooked pasta, and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Substitute kale or arugula for spinach if desired.
- This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a simple side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
