Creamy Sausage Penne Pasta
Creamy Sausage Penne Pasta is a delicious dish that combines al dente pasta with a rich and creamy sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian sausage. The sausage adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor that compliments the creamy sauce perfectly. The texture of the pasta and sausage together creates a satisfying and filling meal that is perfect for any occasion.
TIPS ON COOKING THE PERFECT PASTA
- Use a large pot with plenty of salted water.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta.
- Stir the pasta once or twice while it cooks to prevent it from sticking.
- Tate the pasta regularly to avoid overcooking it.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to use in your sauce.
- Serve the pasta immediately after draining.
OTHER IDEAS FOR PASTA RECIPES:
Ingredients
- 8 oz. Penne Pasta: You can use any short pasta you like. Cook them according to package instructions.
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Italian sausage: I used “hot” Italian sausage but you can use mild or regular sausage.
- Spices: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, fennel seeds, sea salt, and red chili pepper flakes.
- Tomato sauce: You can also use marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce.
- Honey
- Heavy cream
- Pasta water or chicken broth
- Baby spinach: Italian basil leaves are also great.
- Grated Parmesan cheese
How To Make Creamy Sausage Penne Pasta
Time needed: 30 minutes
- COOK THE PASTA:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- COOK THE SAUCE:
Add the oil to the pan, on medium-high heat, then add the butter. As soon as the butter melted, add the sausage, break it with the spatula, and cook for 3 minutes or until browned. Add the spices, tomato sauce, honey, heavy cream, pasta water, or chicken broth, stir, and simmer for 5-8 minutes or until the sauce is reduced.
- FINISH COOKING:
Add the spinach and cooked pasta to the pan, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine, and make sure the pasta is coated with the sauce. Serve immediately with garlic bread or salad on the side.
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Creamy Sausage Penne Pasta
Equipment
- Stockpot to cook the pasta
- Wide and deep pan
- Spatula
- Measuring cup
Ingredients
- 8 oz. dried penne pasta or any short pasta, cook according to package instructions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 pound hot or mild Italian sausage, no casing
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
- 15 oz. canned tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup pasta water or chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package. If you're using pasta water versus chicken broth, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
- Heat a pan over medium-high with oil. Add the butter, and use your spatula to swirl the butter until melted.
- Add the Italian sausage, and break the meat with your spatula, cook for 2 minutes or until browned.
- Season the meat with spices ( Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, fennel seeds, salt, and red chili pepper flakes).
- Pour the tomato sauce, honey, heavy cream, and pasta water, stir, and simmer for 5-8 minutes or until the sauce is reduced (about less than 1/4 cup). If you want it saucy just simmer for less time.
- Add the spinach, and cook until wilted. Then add the cooked pasta and stir to make sure the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan. Serve immediately with garlic bread or a side of mixed green salad.
Video
Notes
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Hi there! Nice to meet you. My name is Jen.
I’m a mom and a wife, and just like you, cooking is something I love to do! Let’s make something delicious but let’s not make ourselves run around like a chicken without a head. The recipes I share are inspired by my grandma’s cooking. She also thought me how to save time and money and eat better with fresh ingredients. I grew up in a household where home-cooked meals are part of our day-to-day life. Cooking is not a chore but a way of living and connecting with each other. I created these recipes to help everyday cooking simple and flavorful…