Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When you’re looking for a meal that’s both incredibly satisfying and unbelievably easy to clean up, you’ve found your new go-to. Today, I’m sharing my recipe for One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage. This dish is pure genius – tender penne, savory Italian sausage, and vibrant spinach all cook together in a rich, creamy sauce, in just one pan! Get ready for effortless and delicious comfort that the whole family will adore.
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a complete meal that cooks itself in one pan, minimizing cleanup? I’m absolutely obsessed with One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage because it’s the epitome of efficiency meets deliciousness. The penne cooks directly in the seasoned broth, absorbing all the savory flavors from the sausage and vegetables, while the spinach wilts perfectly, adding freshness and nutrients. The best part? That luscious, creamy sauce that blankets every single piece of pasta, sausage, and spinach. It’s a lifesaver for busy evenings, fantastic for sneaking in some veggies, and a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Plus, only one pan to wash makes me one happy chef!
The Magic of One-Pan Pasta Dishes
The rise of “one-pan” or “one-pot” pasta dishes has revolutionized home cooking, driven by a universal desire for convenience without sacrificing flavor. This technique involves cooking dry pasta directly in its sauce, allowing the starches released from the pasta to naturally thicken the liquid, creating a rich, cohesive dish. This method not only simplifies the cooking process and cleanup but also ensures that the pasta absorbs maximum flavor from the other ingredients.
The combination of Italian sausage and spinach with a creamy tomato base is a classic, hearty pairing. Italian sausage adds a robust, savory punch, while spinach provides a welcome freshness and pop of color. By cooking them together with penne in a single pot, this recipe exemplifies how combining simple, beloved ingredients with an efficient cooking method can create a deeply satisfying, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that’s perfect for modern, busy households.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly creamy and easy One-Pan Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, casing removed if links)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
- 5-6 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Optional Garnish: Fresh basil or parsley
Swaps and Notes
- Italian Sausage: Use your favorite type of Italian sausage – mild for a classic flavor, or hot for a bit of a kick. If using links, remove the casing before browning. Ground turkey or chicken sausage can also be used.
- Pasta: Penne pasta is ideal for this recipe as its tubular shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully and it cooks well in one pan. Other medium-sized pasta shapes like rigatoni or cavatappi could also work, but cooking times may vary slightly. Do NOT pre-cook the pasta.
- Broth: Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth is recommended to control the saltiness. A good quality broth will significantly impact the final flavor.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts down easily and quickly. You can use frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) but fresh provides a brighter flavor and color.
- Cream: Heavy cream provides the richest, most luxurious sauce. Half-and-half can be used for a slightly lighter version, though it won’t be quite as thick or decadent.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and adds a wonderful salty, umami note. Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes contain anti-caking agents that make the sauce grainy.
- Aromatics: Onion and garlic provide a solid flavor base.
Steps for the Recipe
Let’s get this delicious one-pan meal cooking!
- Brown Sausage: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven (with a tight-fitting lid), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes & Seasonings: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add Pasta: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Make sure all the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer & Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Spinach & Cream: Once the pasta is tender, stir in the fresh baby spinach, a handful at a time, allowing it to wilt down before adding more. Once all spinach is wilted, stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer (do not boil rapidly once dairy is added).
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot directly from the pan.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Pre-Cook Pasta: The magic of a one-pan pasta is that the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing flavor and releasing starches that thicken the sauce.
- Brown Sausage Well: Proper browning adds a crucial depth of flavor to the entire dish.
- Stir Occasionally: While the pasta is simmering, give it a stir every few minutes to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Penne will be tender but should still have a slight bite. It will continue to absorb liquid and soften a bit after being removed from the heat.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For the creamiest, smoothest sauce, shred cheese from blocks. Pre-shredded often has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- Tight-Fitting Lid: A tight-fitting lid is essential for trapping steam, which cooks the pasta and vegetables evenly.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage is a complete and satisfying meal, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic Bread or Crusty Rolls: Essential for soaking up all that delicious creamy sauce.
- Simple Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus or green beans would be excellent choices.
- Other Comfort Foods: This dish would complement other hearty meals well, such as my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- Beverage Pairings: A simple glass of water, iced tea, or a light-bodied red wine (like a Pinot Noir) would complement this pasta nicely.
Storage and Leftover Tips
One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage makes fantastic leftovers!
- Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will thicken considerably upon chilling, and the pasta will absorb more liquid.
- Reheat: To reheat, gently warm portions in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin out the sauce and bring it back to your desired creamy consistency. Stir frequently. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this particular pasta dish, as the cream-based sauce and pasta texture can change significantly upon thawing.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the ease and comfort of this one-pan meal, you might also like these other hearty and time-saving recipes:
- For another fantastic one-pan dinner that’s always a hit, check out my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- If you love classic pasta dishes, check out my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
- For a faster way to make cheesy lasagna without the layering, my This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast is excellent.
- And if you’re craving another deep, comforting bowl, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a winner.
- For a quick and flavorful skillet dinner with a Southern twist, you might enjoy This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
Final Thoughts
One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage is a true triumph of comfort food – it offers all the rich, savory, and cozy flavors you crave in a hearty pasta dish, with the incredible convenience of one-pan cooking. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, effortless entertaining, or simply indulging in pure, creamy comfort. This recipe is a game-changer that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
I hope you give this amazing one-pan wonder a try and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes a new favorite in your household, or what your go-to one-pan pasta dishes are. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!
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