Description
comforting, creamy pasta dish made in one pan for easy cleanup. Loaded with flavorful Italian sausage, wilted spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, this weeknight-friendly recipe is hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
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oz penne pasta
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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5 cups fresh spinach
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
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Cook Pasta: Boil penne until al dente, drain, and set aside.
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Brown Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook sausage, breaking it apart, until browned (5–7 minutes).
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Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic, cook 1 minute.
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Add Spinach: Add spinach, cook until wilted (2–3 minutes).
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Make Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, stir, then add Parmesan gradually until melted and creamy.
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Season: Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
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Combine Pasta: Toss in penne pasta, mix to coat.
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Serve: Serve warm, optionally topped with extra Parmesan.
Notes
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Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
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Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor.
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For a spicy twist, use hot Italian sausage.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~650 kcal
- Sugar: ~3g
- Sodium: ~800mg
- Fat: ~40g
- Saturated Fat: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~28g