Name: One Pan Creamy Penne: 7 Steps to Comfort Food
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb Italian beef sausage; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 14 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 5 oz fresh spinach; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Optional: Red pepper flakes for garnish

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One Pan Creamy Penne With Spinach And Italian Beef Sausage is the ultimate answer to busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t have time for elaborate cooking. This dish combines creamy textures with hearty ingredients, making it a perfect comfort food. The simplicity of a one-pan meal means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with your loved ones. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish!

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Creamy Penne

This One Pan Creamy Penne is a culinary delight that offers a variety of benefits. First, it’s a Quick Creamy Penne Pasta dish that saves time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll appreciate the one-pan cooking method that minimizes cleanup. Plus, it’s customizable—consider trying Creamy Penne with Chicken or other proteins. It’s also a Healthy One Pan Creamy Pasta option, rich in nutrients thanks to the spinach. This recipe is gluten-free, satisfying, and is bound to become a family favorite!

Ingredients for One Pan Creamy Penne

Gather these items:

8 oz penne pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb Italian beef sausage
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
14 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
5 oz fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: Red pepper flakes for garnish

How to Make One Pan Creamy Penne Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients: remove sausage from casing, dice onion, mince garlic, measure broth, wash spinach, measure cream and cheese.
Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add Italian beef sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Brown for 7-10 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1-2 tbsp in the pan.
Step 3: Add diced onion to the pan; sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and 2 cups chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a steady simmer. Add the uncooked penne pasta, stirring to submerge it. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 12-15 minutes, or according to package directions for al dente, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Add a splash more broth if liquid evaporates too quickly.
Step 6: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the fresh spinach; gently fold into the warm pasta until it wilts completely, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 7: Serve immediately in shallow bowls. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes. Enjoy this delicious one-pan meal with crusty bread or a simple side salad.

Pro Tips for the Perfect One Pan Creamy Penne

Keep these in mind:

This dish is quick and easy for weeknight dinners.
Feel free to substitute the sausage with a different protein if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For extra flavor, consider adding Italian herbs or spices.

Best Ways to Serve One Pan Creamy Penne

This delicious dish pairs well with various sides. Try serving it alongside a fresh garden salad or some garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. You can also serve it with a glass of white wine for a complete meal experience. Explore One Pan Pasta Dishes for more ideas!

One Pan Creamy Penne: 7 Steps to Comfort Food - One Pan Creamy Penne - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat One Pan Creamy Penne

To store, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the creamy texture. This method works well for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this Easy One Pan Penne Dish throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pan Creamy Penne

What is One Pan Creamy Penne?

One Pan Creamy Penne is a simple yet satisfying dish made with penne pasta, Italian sausage, spinach, and a rich cream sauce, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup.

Can I make One Pan Creamy Penne ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Just follow the recipe and reheat it when ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prep!

How do I avoid common mistakes with One Pan Creamy Penne?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you stir the pasta regularly while cooking to prevent it from sticking. Also, watch the heat to avoid burning the garlic.

Variations of One Pan Creamy Penne You Can Try

Feel free to get creative with this dish. You can swap the Italian beef sausage for chicken or turkey for a healthier option. Adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can enhance the flavor and nutrition. Consider making a Simple Creamy Penne without meat for a vegetarian take!

For more information on pasta dishes, check out this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage recipe.

Additionally, you can explore last recipes for more delicious ideas.

For a healthy twist, consider this Creamy Potato Soup recipe.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a quick meal, check out Quick Creamy Pasta.

One Pan Creamy Penne: 7 Steps to Comfort Food

Author: basmer
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

One Pan Creamy Penne With Spinach And Italian Beef Sausage is the ultimate answer to busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t have time for elaborate cooking.

Instructions

Gather and prepare all ingredients: remove sausage from casing, dice onion, mince garlic, measure broth, wash spinach, measure cream and cheese.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add Italian beef sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Brown for 7-10 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1-2 tbsp in the pan.
Add diced onion to the pan; sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and 2 cups chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a steady simmer. Add the uncooked penne pasta, stirring to submerge it. Season with salt and pepper.
Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 12-15 minutes, or according to package directions for al dente, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Add a splash more broth if liquid evaporates too quickly.
Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the fresh spinach; gently fold into the warm pasta until it wilts completely, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve immediately in shallow bowls. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes. Enjoy this delicious one-pan meal with crusty bread or a simple side salad.