Penne Pasta with Creamy Spinach & Italian Sausage

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Penne Pasta with Creamy Spinach & Italian Sausage

A rich, comforting dish that’s ready in 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Creamy without heavy cream – A lighter but still indulgent sauce.
✔ Packed with flavor – Savory sausage, garlic, and Parmesan.
✔ One-pan wonder – Easy cleanup!

Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet or spicy)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  1. Cook penne in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Brown the Sausage

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until browned (~5-7 mins).
  2. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Make the Sauce

  1. Pour in chicken broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer 3-4 mins until slightly reduced.
  2. Add spinach and stir until wilted (~2 mins).
  3. Reduce heat to low, then stir in Parmesan and cream cheese (if using) until melted.

4. Combine & Serve

  1. Toss in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  2. Season with salt & pepper, then top with extra Parmesan.

Pro Tips

🍝 Pasta swap: Use rigatoni or fusilli instead.
🌶️ Extra heat: Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
🥛 Dairy-free? Use almond milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

🥖 Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
🍷 Enjoy with a glass of Chianti or Pinot Grigio.

Comfort food at its finest! ❤️🍝

(Try our Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta next!)

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