Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food that will transform your ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience! This Creamy Spinach Sausage Pasta is not just another recipe - it's a culinary adventure that combines the rich, bold flavors of Italian sausage with the velvety smoothness of a perfectly crafted cream sauce. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds (and asking for the recipe)!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove Italian sausage from casings and crumble into the skillet.
- Cook sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet with sausage and garlic. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Drain cooked pasta and add directly to the skillet with sausage and spinach mixture.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Gently toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Serve hot, with additional Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top if desired.
Tips
- • For the most flavorful results, use fresh Italian sausage and remove it from the casings to get those delicious crispy browned bits. • Don't overcook the spinach - add it at the last minute to maintain its vibrant color and fresh flavor. • The reserved pasta water is your secret weapon for creating a silky, smooth sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency. • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor - pre-grated cheese can be dry and lack the rich taste of fresh cheese. • For a slight variation, you can swap penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli that will hold the creamy sauce beautifully. • Make sure to season generously with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting as you go to build layers of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 110mg
