## Creamy Spinach Sausage Penne: Quick and Flavorsome 🌿🍝
Are you searching for a quick yet scrumptious dinner idea? Your search ends here with our Creamy Spinach Sausage Penne. This dish wonderfully combines the creaminess of cheese and the freshness of spinach with the muster of sausage —all topped with that comforting feel of penne pasta. Perfect for a quiet family dinner or a special occasion!
🔹 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔹 Cook Time: 20 minutes
🔹 Total Time: 30 minutes
🔹 Servings: 4
## Why Make This Recipe
Craving for Italian food but don’t want to leave the house? This recipe offers restaurant-quality taste and texture, yet it’s simple enough that even novices can pull it off. An all-in-one meal is ready in just 30 minutes!
## Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
– 12 oz penne pasta
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 lb Italian sausage (casing removed)
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
– Optional: red pepper flakes for an extra kick
## Directions
Here’s how to make this creamy delight:
1. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling water with salt, as per the package instructions. Once done, drain and keep aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until it turns brown —make sure to break it up with a spoon while it cooks. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and let it cook until it’s fragrant, which takes about a minute. Next, add the spinach and cook until it wilts.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until your sauce thickens. This generally takes 2-3 minutes.
5. Lastly, mix the cooked penne with the creamy spinach and sausage mixture. Season with some salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using those).
6. Your Creamy Spinach Sausage Penne is ready! Dish out and serve immediately. You can garnish with additional Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor.
## How to Serve Creamy Spinach Sausage Penne
You can serve this plateful of delight with a side of garlic bread and a crisp, fresh salad. Pair it with a glass of white wine to elevate the dining experience.
## How to store Creamy Spinach Sausage Penne
Leftovers can be store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or warm it in a pan over low heat.
## Tips to Make Creamy Spinach Sausage Penne
– It is important to remember not to overcook the pasta or the spinach as it could make your dish soggy.
– You can substitute spinach with other veggies like broccoli or sundried tomatoes.
– You can also add chicken instead of sausages if you prefer.
## FAQs
1. Can I use another type of pasta for this dish?
– Sure, you can use spaghetti, fusilli, or any other type of pasta you prefer.
2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
– Yes, just make sure to squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the pan.
3. What can I do to add more flavor to this dish?
– You can add more garlic, onions, or some white wine while cooking to enhance the flavor. Fresh basil or dried Italian herbs can also help uplift the taste.
Let’s end those pasta cravings with this quick and flavorsome Creamy Spinach Sausage Penne. Happy cooking!