One-Pot Italian Sausage and Spinach Penne Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty and flavorful pasta dish combining spicy Italian sausage, tender spinach, and al dente penne in a savory tomato cream sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, Italian sausage, casings removed, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 3 minutes until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 3 cups chicken broth, 12 oz penne pasta, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove the lid and stir in 4 cups fresh spinach leaves and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted and sauce slightly thickens.
  5. Step 5: Turn off heat and mix in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Italian Sausage and Spinach Penne Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Italian Sausage and Spinach Penne Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Italian Sausage and Spinach Penne Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pot Italian Sausage and Spinach Penne Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pot Italian Sausage and Spinach Penne Pasta?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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