Description
A rich and flavorful creamy sausage pasta made with savory sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious cream sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Add baby spinach if using, and cook until wilted.
- Return the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use spicy sausage for added heat.
- Substitute spinach with kale or arugula if preferred.
- Use half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 105mg