Penne and Italian Sausage
Indulge in the hearty comfort of Penne and Italian Sausage, a quick and flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. This recipe combines al dente penne with savory Italian sausage, all tossed in a rich, creamy marinara sauce infused with hints of garlic and crushed red pepper for a subtle kick. Finished with grated Parmesan and fresh basil, this dish is a celebration of classic Italian flavors with a luxurious twist. With just 10 minutes of prep and a total cook time of 30 minutes, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious, making it an irresistible choice for busy families. Serve this soul-warming creation with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Perfect for pasta lovers seeking bold flavors!
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 cups, grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 0 to taste salt
- 0 to taste black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.
Step 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage (if applicable) and add the sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Step 4
Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to develop flavor, stirring occasionally.
Step 5
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and mix well to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6
Toss the cooked penne pasta with the sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7
Garnish the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1801.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3784.3 |
| Total Fat 218.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 80.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 25.1g | |
| Cholesterol 527.3mg | 0% |
| Sodium 7046.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 297.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 20.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 25.0g | |
| Protein 148.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 181.4IU | 0% |
| Calcium 607.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 20.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2325.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories