Description
This creamy Italian sausage sun dried tomato pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring perfectly cooked penne tossed in a savory sauce made with browned Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a luscious blend of heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese, all finished with fresh baby spinach. It’s an ultimate pasta delight that’s quick to prepare and bursting with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, combining them evenly with the sausage and garlic mixture.
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, enriching the texture and flavor.
- Toss pasta and spinach: Add the cooked penne pasta and baby spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can choose either mild or spicy Italian sausage to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.
- For a lighter creaminess, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
