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Creamy Sausage Pasta Delight

Creamy Sausage Pasta Delight

Cozy, creamy pasta tossed with savory Italian sausage, tomatoes, and spinach. A weeknight-friendly comfort dish with big flavor.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz penne pasta, dry
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed use mild or hot
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter adds extra richness
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes one standard can
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt plus more for pasta water
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cup baby spinach lightly packed
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
  • 0.5 cup reserved pasta water use as needed to loosen sauce

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking into crumbles.
  • Stir in butter, then add onion. Cook until softened and lightly golden, about 4 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  • Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  • Simmer the sauce on medium for 5 minutes to thicken slightly and meld flavors.
  • Lower heat. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
  • Add drained pasta. Toss to coat, loosening with splashes of pasta water as needed.
  • Fold in spinach until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning. Finish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Variation: Swap spinach for chopped kale and simmer 2–3 extra minutes. For a lighter version, use half-and-half and turkey sausage. Leftovers keep refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Creamy Sausage Pasta Delight flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.