When you want a cozy, flavor-packed dinner without the hassle of multiple pots and dishes, this One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage is exactly what you need. It brings together everything you love about a hearty pasta meal — tender penne, perfectly browned Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a velvety cream sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan. The magic of this recipe is that the pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all those savory flavors while achieving the perfect creamy consistency. It’s rich, comforting, and satisfying in the best way. Perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or whenever you crave a comforting Italian-inspired dish with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
This dish is creamy, savory, and incredibly easy — everything comes together in a single pan. The sausage adds bold flavor, the spinach adds freshness, and the Parmesan cream sauce makes every bite luxuriously smooth. It’s family-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and tastes like something you’d order in a cozy Italian restaurant.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
You’ll save time, effort, and dishes. This recipe is fast, requires simple ingredients, and turns out perfectly every single time. With a flavor-rich sauce, plenty of protein, and a touch of veggies, it’s a balanced, comforting meal that suits beginners and experienced cooks alike. And because the penne soaks up the broth and cream as it cooks, the flavor is deeply infused into every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2–3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil, extra Parmesan
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Cook Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Pasta & Liquids: Add penne, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until penne is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Add Parmesan & Spinach: Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, pepper, and a pinch of salt. Add spinach and stir until wilted and combined.
- Finish & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving)
- Calories: 710
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 52g
- Fat: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
Tips for the Best One-Pan Pasta
- Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or cream.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth sauce.
- Add spinach at the end to keep it bright and fresh.
- For extra richness, add 2 oz cream cheese to melt into the sauce.
Variations & Substitutions
- Protein Options: Use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, ground beef, or plant-based sausage.
- Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or cherry tomatoes.
- Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage or add chili flakes.
- Gluten-free Option: Use your favorite GF pasta (add a bit more liquid—GF pasta absorbs more).
What to Serve with This Dish
- Garlic bread or cheesy pull-apart rolls
- Caesar salad or green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- A glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding cheese too early: It may clump — always add after the pasta is cooked.
- Not stirring enough: One-pan pastas need occasional mixing.
- Too much heat: High heat can cause the cream to separate; keep at medium.
- Using pre-shredded Parmesan: It contains anti-caking agents and won’t melt well.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat with a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life.
- Not ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage is the perfect mix of creamy comfort, bold Italian flavor, and weeknight simplicity. It’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly delicious, with tender pasta wrapped in a rich, silky sauce and rounded out by savory sausage and fresh spinach. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or simply yourself, this recipe feels both cozy and elevated — the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner — add a tablespoon of flour when sautéing the onions to help thicken.
Can I use different pasta?
Absolutely — rigatoni, rotini, shells, or farfalle work beautifully.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes — use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes — thaw and squeeze out excess liquid before adding.
Why did my sauce get too thick?
It happens as pasta absorbs liquid. Add broth or cream to loosen.
Can I add tomato flavor?
Add ¼–½ cup marinara or tomato paste for a creamy tomato twist.