Name: One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed); 12 oz penne pasta (dry); 4 cups fresh spinach; 1 small onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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This one-pan creamy penne with spinach and Italian sausage is my go-to when I need a comforting, hearty meal without a pile of dishes. It’s packed with flavor from savory sausage, tender pasta, and a velvety cream sauce that brings it all together. I love how everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup almost as easy as the cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that I can make this satisfying pasta dish all in one pan, saving both time and effort. The Italian sausage adds a bold, rich flavor, while the spinach gives it a fresh, vibrant touch. I find the cream sauce perfectly balances everything with a smooth, cozy finish. It’s a great weeknight meal that feels a little fancy but is incredibly simple to throw together. One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
Penne pasta
Fresh spinach
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it browns.
Once the sausage is nearly cooked, I stir in the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened.
I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the dry penne pasta.
I bring it all to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the pasta is cooked through—about 12–15 minutes.
I stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and if the liquid reduces too much, I add a splash of broth.
Once the pasta is tender, I stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
I finish by mixing in the grated Parmesan cheese and seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
I serve it hot, right out of the skillet.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes me around 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook. It’s ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I swap penne for rigatoni or fusilli depending on what’s in my pantry. For a lighter option, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. I’ve also made this with turkey sausage, and it still turns out delicious. If I want to add more veggies, I throw in mushrooms or cherry tomatoes.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth. It can also be microwaved, but I stir halfway through and add a little moisture to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, I can use frozen spinach. I just thaw and squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the pan so the sauce stays creamy.

What type of sausage works best?

I usually go for mild or spicy Italian sausage, but chicken or turkey sausage also works well if I want something leaner.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I make it ahead and reheat it gently. I add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to refresh the sauce.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. I’ve used shells, rotini, or even bowties. I just adjust the cooking time based on the shape and size of the pasta.

How can I make this dish spicier?

I add extra red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage to bring more heat. A drizzle of chili oil also works if I want it spicier at the table.

Conclusion

This one-pan creamy penne with spinach and Italian sausage is one of those meals I turn to when I need something fast, filling, and flavorful. I love that everything cooks together in one skillet and how the rich, cheesy sauce coats every bite. It’s a reliable comfort dish that always satisfies without much fuss.