Description
A rich and hearty pasta dish featuring savory sausage in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in baby spinach if using, and cook until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use spicy or mild Italian sausage based on preference.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg