Savory Sausage and Spinach Penne

Delight your taste buds with this creamy and flavorful Savory Sausage and Spinach Penne, a true comfort food classic that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. This quick and easy pasta dish features tender penne coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, infused with the bold flavors of Italian sausage, garlic, and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Fresh baby spinach adds a vibrant, healthy twist, while a garnish of parsley elevates the presentation. Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-pan recipe is a hearty, satisfying crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread. An irresistible combination of rich creaminess and savory spices awaits!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 5 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until fully browned.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the baby spinach to the skillet, stirring frequently, until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine and let simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 7

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.

Step 8

Season the sauce with salt and ground black pepper to taste.

Step 9

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the sauce until evenly coated.

Step 10

Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Step 11

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1161.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3330.0

Total Fat 198.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 84.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 480.1mg	0%
Sodium 5559.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 264.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.4g	0%
Total Sugars 0.1g
Protein 111.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 692.4mg	0%
Iron 22.0mg	0%
Potassium 1586.5mg	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: 54.3%

Protein: 13.5%

Carbs: 32.1%