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Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
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Hey there, busy bee! Let’s face it – getting a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table every night can feel like a Herculean task. But trust me, this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta recipe is here to rescue you from the weeknight dinner dilemma! It’s quick, easy, incredibly flavorful, and practically guarantees happy faces at the dinner table. This easy sausage pasta recipe is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but craving something comforting and satisfying using the easy sausage pasta recipe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!)
  • 1 pound penne pasta (or any pasta shape you love)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ yellow onion, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little kick, optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups heavy cream (the secret to all the creamy goodness)
  • 5 ounces baby spinach (fresh is best!)
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is heavenly)

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions. We’re aiming for al dente here – perfectly cooked. This will generally take about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Sausage Sizzle. While your pasta gets happy in the water, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, onion, garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt.
  3. Brown and Bloom. Cook the sausage mixture until the sausage is no longer pink. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You know it’s ready when its surface is browned and your kitchen starts smelling fantastic!
  4. Draining Time: If there’s a lot of excess grease (sometimes that sausage can be a little generous!), drain some of it off. You can use a spoon or carefully tilt the pan. We want flavor, not a slick of oil!
  5. Creamy Dreamy Sauce. Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Don’t let it boil, just a little bubble action.
  6. Spinach Surprise: Add the spinach and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often. The spinach will wilt down and blend beautifully into the sauce.
  7. Cheese Please! Stir in that glorious Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines into the sauce, making it extra decadent.
  8. Pasta Party. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until every strand of pasta is coated in that creamy, cheesy, sausage-y goodness.
  9. Eat and Enjoy. Serve immediately, and prepare for happy sighs and requests for seconds.

Notes

  • Spice it up! Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your heat preference. A little pinch can make a big difference.
  • Extra Veggies: Don’t be afraid to add other veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes. Always!
  • Make it Lighter: You could swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even milk, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
  • Cheese: Parmesan cheese is a critical component of the sauce, so make sure to make extra room for it.

Keywords: Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta, Easy Sausage Pasta Recipe, Pasta, Italian Sausage, Dinner Recipe, Quick Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Creamy Pasta, Parmesan Pasta

Find it online: https://mumrecipes.com/creamy-italian-sausage-pasta/