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Creamy Sausage Penne Pasta

Jen Paleracio
Combined 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 complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8

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

 
NOTE: You can use any short pasta you like. It could be rigatoni, macaroni, or even ziti pasta. If you like your pasta saucy, just simmer it for 3-4 minutes otherwise the pasta will be a bit dry if you reduce it for 5-8 minutes. 
 
 
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Keyword creamy, creamy pasta,, creamy sauce, Italian sausage, pasta, sausage