# One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sauce
Craving for an easy but savoury meal that you can whip up in no time? You need to try this One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage recipe. It combines al dente penne, a rich creamy sauce, fresh spinach, and spicy Italian sausage. All these in just 30 minutes!
**Time**
* Preparation Time: 10 minutes
* Cooking Time: 20 minutes
* Total Time: 30 minutes
## Why make this recipe?
If you love pastas and you’re fascinated by the process of making them from scratch, this is the perfect dish for you. This recipe proves that making a fantastic pasta meal doesn’t have to take all day.
## How to make One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
The process is incredibly easy and requires little to no culinary expertise.
## Ingredients:
For this dish, you will need the following:
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 12 oz penne pasta
* 5 oz fresh spinach
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Fresh basil, for garnish
## Directions:
Follow these steps to create this dish:
1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles.
3. Continue cooking and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes for an extra minute until it releases its fragrant aroma.
4. Now, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir these together then bring to a simmer.
5. Next is the penne pasta. Add it to the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes until it reaches al dente.
6. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts into the pasta.
7. To make it creamy, mix in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season it with salt and pepper according to your taste.
8. Finish off with fresh basil garnish before serving.
## How to serve One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
This dish is best served hot and fresh out of the pan with a crispy piece of garlic bread and a glass of white wine.
## How to store One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
If you have leftovers, this dish can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. When re-heating, use a microwave on medium power or gently heat on the stove, adding a splash of water if it appears too dry.
## Tips to make One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
Make sure to cook the pasta to just al dente as it will continue to cook slightly while it cools and absorbs the sauce. Overcooking can result in mushy pasta.
## Variation
Want to make a vegetarian version? Substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based alternative. And for a lighter version, use half & half instead of the heavy cream.
## FAQs
1. **Can I use another type of pasta?**
Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Bowtie pasta or rotini would also work wonderfully.
2. **Can I add other vegetables?**
Absolutely! You can definitely add other vegetables like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini.
3. **Can I freeze this dish?**
Yes, it freezes well. Freeze it in an airtight container. To serve, thaw it completely in the refrigerator then heat gently on the stove or microwave.