Description
A delightful and creamy pasta dish with spicy sausage and fresh spinach, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 oz (115g) spicy Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup (120g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (100g) baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces and cooking until browned.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine and letting it come to a gentle simmer.
- Add cherry tomatoes and let them simmer for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Reduce heat and mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Gently toss the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
- Top with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
For a lighter option, substitute turkey sausage and half-and-half for cream. Can be made vegetarian with TVP or mushrooms instead of sausage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: pasta, creamy, spicy, Italian, weeknight dinner, family meal