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Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

A comforting and quick pasta dish made with creamy sauce, Italian sausage, and fresh spinach, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Ingredients
  • 1 box Pasta (penne or fettuccine) Choose your favorite variety to complement the sauce.
Sausage and Cream Ingredients
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy) Can swap with turkey sausage for a healthier option.
  • 1 cup Heavy cream For a lighter version, try half-and-half or a dairy-free milk.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced A must for that aromatic base.
  • 1 medium Onion, diced Adds a sweet, savory note.
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free substitute.
  • 2 cups Spinach (or kale) For color and nutrition.
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning Elevates the overall dish.
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil For sautéing.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
Sautéing the Sausage
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and the Italian sausage. Cook until browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes.
Adding Aromatics
  1. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
Creating the Sauce
  1. Pour in the heavy cream and add the Italian seasoning. Stir well, allowing the mixture to bubble gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Mixing in Greens
  1. Add the spinach and let it wilt into the sauce, about 1 minute.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
  1. Gently fold in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired creaminess. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and well combined.
Final Touches
  1. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serving the Dish
  1. Dish out your creamy Italian sausage pasta and garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs.

Notes

For a kick, add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage. Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.