Penne in Cream Sauce with Sausage Recipe
This Penne in Cream Sauce with Sausage is a classic one-dish meal that’s both comforting and flavorful. A perfect balance of savory Italian sausage, creamy half-and-half, and rich Parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s an excellent recipe to prepare for a friend or neighbor, offering a warm meal that’s both filling and delightful. With rave reviews over the years, this version, which first appeared in Bon Appétit magazine, has become a family favorite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Italian sausage, crumbled | 1 lb |
| Diced tomatoes (with juice) | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Half-and-half | 1 cup |
| Penne pasta | 1 lb |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1 cup |
| White wine | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1054.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 52.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 23.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 122.6 mg |
| Sodium | 2432.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 108.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.3 g |
| Sugars | 22.5 g |
| Protein | 36 g |
Recipe Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until golden brown and tender, about 7 minutes. |
| 2 | Add the crumbled Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is golden brown and fully cooked through, about 7 minutes. |
| 3 | Pour in the white wine, stirring to combine, and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and almost evaporate. |
| 4 | Add the diced tomatoes along with their juice to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3 minutes. |
| 5 | Reduce the heat to low and add the half-and-half to the skillet, stirring well. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. |
| 6 | While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. |
| 7 | Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta with the creamy sausage sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to toss until the cheese is melted and the pasta is evenly coated. |
| 8 | Serve the Penne in Cream Sauce with Sausage immediately, accompanied by a fresh green salad, Italian bread, and more Parmesan cheese on the side for extra flavor. |
Cooking Tips & Variations
- For a bit of spice, you can add crushed red pepper flakes along with the garlic in step 1.
- Substitute half-and-half with heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
- For a lower-carb option, replace the penne pasta with zucchini noodles or another spiralized vegetable.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy, hearty dish with a crisp green salad tossed with olive oil, lemon, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. A side of warm, crusty Italian bread will help soak up the delicious sauce, ensuring no bite goes to waste.
This Penne in Cream Sauce with Sausage is the perfect meal for those busy weeknights, weekend dinners, or whenever you want a comforting dish that satisfies and delights. Enjoy!
