One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach & Italian Sausage

A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Pasta Your Family Will Beg For Again and Again

One-pan dinners are lifesavers on busy weeknights, and this One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach & Italian Sausage is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can transform into a rich, satisfying meal. Packed with hearty Italian sausage, tender penne pasta, fresh spinach, and a luxuriously creamy sauce, this dish delivers restaurant-level indulgence with minimal effort.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week ahead, or just craving creamy pasta comfort, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s easy, affordable, customizable, and—best of all—cooks entirely in one pan, which means virtually no cleanup.

In this article, we’ll walk through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, storage tips, and expert tricks to make your creamy pasta unforgettable. Let’s dive in!

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Pasta

This creamy penne recipe stands out for several reasons:

1. True One-Pan Convenience

No boiling pasta separately, no multiple pots, no headaches. Everything—from browning the sausage to simmering the pasta—cooks in a single pan.

2. Amazing Flavor in Under 30 Minutes

Italian sausage brings built-in seasoning, garlic and onion add aromatics, and the creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully.

3. A Balanced Meal

Protein (sausage), carbs (pasta), and vegetables (spinach) all in one delicious skillet.

4. Family-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing

Creamy pastas are universally loved. Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist the silky sauce and rich flavors.

5. Easy to Customize

Swap in different vegetables, sausage varieties, or even whole-wheat pasta—this dish is endlessly flexible.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make this dish at home:

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups (720ml) chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta, uncooked
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or more if you love greens)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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🍳 How to Make One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach & Italian Sausage

Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage

Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Allow it to brown well—those golden bits add tons of flavor.
If the sausage is lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion & Garlic

Once the sausage is cooked, add the diced onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes until it softens.
Stir in the garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Broth, Cream & Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
Season with Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want heat.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Add the dry penne directly into the liquid. Press it down to ensure all pasta is submerged.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Stir in the Spinach

Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, fold in the fresh spinach. It will wilt almost immediately.

Step 6: Add Parmesan & Finish

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy, silky, and slightly thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 7: Serve

Top with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!

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🍽️ What to Serve with Creamy Penne

Though this dish is a full meal, you can pair it with:

• Garlic bread or cheesy baguette
• A crisp Caesar salad
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus
• A simple tomato and cucumber salad

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🧀 Helpful Tips for Perfect Creamy Pasta Every Time

Use Quality Italian Sausage

The flavor of the dish depends heavily on the sausage. Choose a flavorful brand, or use spicy sausage for extra depth.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Because it absorbs broth and cream, penne can soften quickly. Stir frequently and test early.

Add Cheese Off the Heat

Parmesan melts better when the pan is not too hot, preventing grainy sauce.

If Sauce Gets Too Thick

Add a splash of hot water or broth to loosen it.

If Sauce Gets Too Thin

Let it simmer for an extra 2–3 minutes—cream thickens naturally.

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🥬 Delicious Variations

This one-pan pasta is easy to riff on. Try any of these versions:

1. Chicken Instead of Sausage

Use sliced chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for a lighter option.

2. Add More Vegetables

Try:

• Mushrooms
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Cherry tomatoes

3. Make It Spicy

Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.

4. Make It Healthier

Swap heavy cream for:

• Evaporated milk
• Half-and-half
• Coconut cream (for dairy-free)

Use whole-wheat penne or chickpea pasta if you prefer.

5. Add Herbs

Fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary take this dish to a gourmet level.

6. Turn It Into a Baked Pasta

Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil for 5 minutes.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Creamy sauces don’t freeze perfectly, but this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Add a little cream when reheating if it separates.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: Add 1–2 tablespoons of water or cream and heat in 30-second intervals.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.

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📌 Printable Recipe Card

One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach & Italian Sausage

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 cup Parmesan, grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown sausage in a deep skillet.
2. Add onion and sauté until soft; add garlic.
3. Pour in chicken broth and cream; season.
4. Add penne and simmer 12–14 minutes.
5. Stir in spinach.
6. Add Parmesan and adjust seasoning.
7. Serve warm with fresh herbs.

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🎉 Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy dinner, this One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach & Italian Sausage will hit the spot every single time. It’s rich, hearty, full of flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes—all with minimal cleanup.

This recipe is ideal for home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimum effort, and it’s guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite in your kitchen.

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