Creamy Penne With Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Creamy Penne With Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

4 servings
This creamy penne with sausage and sun-dried tomatoes recipe is easy and quick enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough to serve to guests.

Ingredients

  • Kosher salt
  • 3/4 c. oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes

    2 tbsp. oil reserved, tomatoes drained and sliced crosswise

  • 1 lb. bulk sweet Italian sausage
  • 1 lb. penne
  • 1 small yellow onion

    finely chopped

  • 2 large cloves garlic

    finely chopped

  • 2 c. heavy cream
  • 5 oz. baby spinach
  • 1/4 c. grated Parmesan

    plus more for serving, about 1 oz.

  • 1/2 c. fresh parsley or basil leaves

    chopped

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat, heat tomato oil. Cook sausage, stirring and breaking up with a wooden spoon into bite-size pieces, until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. 

  3. 3

    Cook penne in boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until tender but still firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add onion and garlic to skillet; season with 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and cook, stirring, until warmed through, about 1 minute. Pour in cream and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce has slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in spinach until slightly wilted. Stir in Parmesan. 

  5. 5

    Drain pasta and add to sauce. Toss to combine, then top with parsley and more Parmesan.

Creamy Penne With Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Creamy Penne With Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

30 min4 servings

Similar Recipes

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Searching for a dinner that feels special but comes together in a flash? This Creamy Penne With Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe is your answer, delivering rich, savory flavors perfect for any weeknight.

What makes this dish a standout is its perfect balance of textures and tastes: savory bulk sweet Italian sausage, the tender chew of penne, and the bright, concentrated burst of sun-dried tomatoes. It's an easy, quick, and comforting meal that tastes like it took hours, thanks to the simplicity of combining quality ingredients into a luxurious cream sauce.

Prepare for a truly satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. You'll experience a wonderfully creamy pasta dish, where each bite coats your palate with a luscious sauce infused with aromatic garlic and onion. The sweet Italian sausage adds a hearty, savory depth, beautifully complemented by the tangy, chewy sun-dried tomatoes. Fresh parsley or basil brightens the finish, creating a harmonious and utterly delicious experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This adaptable pasta dish offers flexibility for your pantry and palate. You can easily swap the sweet Italian sausage for spicy Italian sausage to introduce a little kick. While fresh parsley or basil finishes the dish beautifully, feel free to use whichever herb you have on hand to add a touch of freshness. You could also incorporate additional vegetables like sliced bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.

This comforting pasta is ideal for a cozy family dinner, but elegant enough to impress guests without any fuss. Serve it with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions