Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
A delightful dish combining the richness of cream and Italian sausage with pasta, perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy) Choose according to your preference.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach Can substitute with frozen spinach; thaw and drain.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish Optional.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add your pasta. Cook according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. Don’t forget to save a cup of the pasta water.
Sautéing the Sausage
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casings and crumble it into the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Adding Aromatics
- Toss in the diced onion and garlic. Stir everything together and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, around 3-4 minutes.
Creating the Sauce
- Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Whisk gently until it becomes creamy and smooth.
Mixing Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, then toss in the spinach and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Seasoning
- Add salt and pepper as needed, then plate it up with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
Don't worry if your sauce looks a little lumpy; a good stir will fix it. You can substitute spinach for other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. Leftovers can last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.