One Pan Creamy Penne With Spinach And Italian Sausage

Wanna make dinner easy and super tasty? This creamy penne with sausage and spinach is all made in one pan. Yup—less mess, more yum.

I made it last week, and oh wow… it was so creamy and cozy. The sausage adds that bold flavor, and the spinach? Just perfect. Even picky eaters were quiet—just eating!

It’s quick, filling, and makes you feel like a pro cook. And cleanup? Just one pan. Sooo nice after a long day.

Go grab your skillet and pasta. I’ll show you how to make this creamy dream. Let’s get cookin’!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pan, One Mess! Everything cooks in a single pan, which means fewer dishes to clean.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The rich, garlicky cream sauce and perfectly seasoned sausage create a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Swap ingredients or add extra veggies for variety.
• Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this creamy penne pasta, you’ll need:

• Large Skillet or Deep Pan: For cooking everything in one pan.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps break up the sausage and stir the sauce.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For precise ingredient portions.
• Grater: For freshly grated Parmesan cheese (highly recommended for the best flavor).

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious one-pan pasta:

• Penne Pasta: Holds up well in creamy sauces and cooks directly in the pan.
• Italian Sausage: Adds savory depth and a little heat (mild or spicy—your choice!).
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the sausage and garlic.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds bold, aromatic flavor.
• Fresh Spinach: Balances the richness with a hint of freshness.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for extra creaminess.
• Salt & Pepper: Enhances the flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Adds a little heat if you like spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Italian Sausage

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add Italian sausage (casings removed) and break it apart using a wooden spoon.
• Cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove excess grease if necessary, but leave a little for extra flavor.

2. Add Garlic & Deglaze the Pan

• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
• Pour in a splash of broth or water to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom (this adds depth to the sauce).

3. Cook the Pasta in the Pan

• Add uncooked penne pasta directly into the pan with the sausage and garlic.
• Pour in 2 ½ cups of water or broth (chicken or vegetable broth works best for added flavor).
• Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let the pasta simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes. If the liquid reduces too quickly before the pasta is done, add a little more water or broth.

4. Make It Creamy

• Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well.
• Lower the heat and let the sauce thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes. The pasta will absorb the flavors while becoming luxuriously creamy.

5. Add Spinach & Parmesan

• Toss in 2 cups of fresh spinach, stirring until it wilts into the creamy sauce (this takes about a minute).
• Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts and blends into the sauce.
• Taste and adjust with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve One Pan Creamy Penne

This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh, but it also makes fantastic leftovers! Here are some serving ideas:

• With Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crispy garlic bread pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Topped with Extra Cheese: A little extra Parmesan or shredded mozzarella makes it even better.
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley for added freshness and color.
• Paired with a Simple Salad: A crisp side salad balances the richness of the dish.

Storing and Meal Prep Tips

This creamy pasta is just as delicious the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Refrigeration

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• While creamy pasta can be frozen, the texture of the sauce may change slightly when reheated.
• If you plan to freeze it, let it cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Pro Tip: Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to help restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

Reheating Instructions

• Stovetop: Add the pasta to a pan with a splash of broth or cream, and warm over medium heat until creamy and heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Try these easy swaps and add-ins:

Protein Variations

• Swap Sausage for Chicken: Use diced or shredded rotisserie chicken instead.
• Make It Meat-Free: Omit the sausage and add mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

Pasta Substitutes

• Use a Different Pasta Shape: Rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti work well.
• Try Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Just note that cooking times may vary slightly.

Extra Veggies

• Mushrooms: Sauté them with the sausage for an earthy depth of flavor.
• Bell Peppers: Dice and add them for a pop of color and sweetness.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in a handful for a tangy twist.

Make It Spicier

• Use hot Italian sausage for extra heat.
• Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount (Per Serving)
Calories	~620 kcal
Protein	~25g
Carbohydrates	~50g
Fat	~38g
Saturated Fat	~17g
Fiber	~3g
Sugar	~4g
Sodium	~850mg

Note: Exact values may vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This pasta reheats well. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich. To thicken, add a little cornstarch mixed with water.

What if my sauce is too thick?

Add a little more broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the sausage and add mushrooms or extra veggies.

Conclusion

This One Pan Creamy Penne With Spinach And Italian Sausage is a perfect weeknight dinner—quick, easy, and packed with flavor! The savory Italian sausage, rich Parmesan cream sauce, and fresh spinach come together in a single pan for minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a comforting pasta dish, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes.