Creamy Sausage Pasta
A comforting pasta dish featuring creamy sauce, savory Italian sausage, and nutritious baby spinach, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 12 oz dry penne pasta The perfect shape that holds onto the sauce beautifully.
- 1 lb Italian sausage Provides a savory base with either mild or spicy notes.
- 2 tbsp olive oil Adds richness and helps develop flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic Infuses the dish with aromatic fragrance.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes Introduces a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth Adds moisture and depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream Creates the luxurious, silky sauce.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Offers a salty bite that elevates the creaminess.
- 2 cups baby spinach Adds color and freshness.
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Optional spice for a little kick.
- to taste Salt and ground black pepper Essential for adjusting seasoning.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Preparing the Sauce
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat, add the sausage, and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles.
- Stir in minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes or until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Simmer briefly.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes without boiling.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted, ensuring the sauce remains creamy.
Combining and Serving
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to taste with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick and serve hot with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
For the best result, use fresh ingredients. Avoid overcooking the pasta and boiling the sauce after adding cream. Store in an airtight container for up to three days and freeze leftovers for quick meals.