Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
A heartwarming and creamy pasta dish featuring bold flavors from Italian sausage, perfect for family dinners and quick meals.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces your favorite pasta (penne or fettuccine work beautifully)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed) adds an irresistible flavor
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped for foundational sweetness
- 3 cloves garlic, minced essential for Italian cooking
- 1 cup heavy cream for ultimate creaminess
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated adds nutty richness
- 2 cups spinach, fresh or frozen boosts nutrition and color
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning brings classic flavors together
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Toss in the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula—about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and your kitchen smells heavenly—about 3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until it’s all combined and bubbling gently.
- Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and spinach, stirring until everything is well coated and the spinach wilts—about 2-3 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper if needed, then serve in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
Consider adding bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggie nutrition. For a spicy kick, use hot Italian sausage.