Quick and Easy Penne with Sausage Mushroom Cream Sauce

Indulge in the creamy comfort of Quick and Easy Penne with Sausage Mushroom Cream Sauce, a 30-minute dinner that combines bold flavors with minimal effort. Tender penne pasta is tossed in a luscious sauce made from rich heavy cream, earthy mushrooms, and savory Italian sausage, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. The dish is finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra depth and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty and satisfying pasta recipe makes use of simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients to deliver maximum flavor with little fuss. Serve it with a crisp side salad and a slice of garlic bread for an irresistible meal the whole family will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
• 8 oz button or cremini mushrooms (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 0.5 cup reserved pasta water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and tender.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix it into the cream sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7

Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(937.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2114.4

Total Fat 190.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 89.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 478.8mg	0%
Sodium 4489.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 16.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.7g	0%
Total Sugars 5.9g
Protein 74.5g	0%

Vitamin D 22.7IU	0%
Calcium 948.8mg	0%
Iron 4.4mg	0%
Potassium 1303.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 82.6%

Protein: 14.4%

Carbs: 3.1%