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20-Minute Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

Linda M. Harris
A creamy, flavorful pasta dish with Italian sausage, tender spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
High in protein and fiber, this 20-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large Pot: (for boiling pasta)
  • Large skillet (for cooking sausage and sauce)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ yellow onion minced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 5 oz baby spinach
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Pasta
    Name: Boiling the Penne
    Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
    Add a generous pinch of salt to season the water—it helps enhance the pasta’s natural flavor.
    Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 10–12 minutes, until al dente (tender but still slightly firm in the center).
    Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
    When cooked, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
  • Heat the Skillet
    Name: Warming the Olive Oil
    While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    Pour in one tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat until it shimmers, indicating it’s ready for cooking.
    This step ensures that the sausage and aromatics will sauté evenly without sticking or burning.
  • Cook the Italian Sausage
    Name: Browning the Sausage
    Add one pound of ground Italian sausage to the hot skillet.
    Break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula.
    Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sausage is no longer pink and is starting to develop a golden-brown crust.
    This browning adds rich flavor to the dish.
  • Sauté the Aromatics
    Name: Flavoring with Onion and Garlic
    Once the sausage has begun to brown, add ½ cup minced yellow onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet.
    Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes and ½ teaspoon salt to season.
    Stir the mixture constantly for 3–4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma.
    This combination of sausage, onion, and garlic forms the flavorful base of the sauce.
  • Remove Excess Fat
    Name: Trimming the Skillet
    If there is excess fat rendered from the sausage, carefully drain it from the skillet.
    This prevents the sauce from becoming too greasy while still leaving enough fat to carry the flavors of the dish.
    Return the cooked sausage and aromatics to the skillet before moving to the next step.
  • Add the Cream
    Name: Creating the Creamy Base
    Reduce the heat to low and pour in 2 cups of heavy cream.
    Stir well to combine with the sausage and aromatics.
    Allow the cream to gently simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
    Keep the heat low to prevent the cream from boiling and separating. This forms a rich, velvety sauce that will coat the pasta beautifully.
  • Wilt the Spinach
    Name: Incorporating Greens
    Add 5 ounces of fresh baby spinach to the skillet in batches.
    Stir the spinach into the creamy sauce, allowing it to wilt evenly.
    This should take about 3 minutes.
    The spinach not only adds a fresh, vibrant color but also boosts the dish’s fiber and nutrient content without overpowering the creamy flavor.
  • Melt in the Cheese
    Name: Blending in Parmesan
    Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
    Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the cream.
    This step creates a smooth, cheesy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta, enriching both the flavor and texture of the dish.
    Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary with a pinch of salt or red pepper flakes for extra kick.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce
    Name: Tossing to Perfection
    Add the cooked penne pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sausage and spinach mixture.
    Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the pasta to ensure every piece is evenly coated in the rich sauce.
    If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.
  • Serve and Garnish
    Name: Plating the Dish
    Once the pasta is well-coated, transfer it to serving plates or a large serving bowl.
    For extra flavor and presentation, you can sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese or a pinch of fresh cracked black pepper on top.
    Serve immediately while warm for the best taste.
    This dish pairs beautifully with a light green salad or crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. Sweet or mild varieties work well, while spicy sausage adds extra heat.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a richer, creamier texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.
  • Reserve some pasta water before draining—it can help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your taste; you can omit them for a milder dish.
  • Spinach can be substituted with kale, arugula, or Swiss chard for variation.
  • The dish reheats well but is best enjoyed fresh to preserve creaminess.
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