Creamy Sausage Penne Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Creamy Sausage Penne, a dish that exudes comfort and satisfaction in every bite. This recipe combines tender penne pasta with savory sausage, bathed in a luxurious creamy sauce. Despite its decadence, it’s a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and delicious. Serve it alongside a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal that will leave everyone at the table smiling.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 818.5 per serving
- Rating: 4.5 Stars (from 11 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 pound pork sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. Boil the Penne:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente.
- Drain the pasta well and do not rinse it.
2. Prepare the Sausage:
- While the pasta is cooking, remove the sausage meat from the casings and crumble it.
3. Cook the Sausage:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cayenne pepper, and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Add the crumbled sausage meat to the skillet and cook until it is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Increase the heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
5. Combine and Serve:
- Place the cooked penne pasta in a large serving bowl (you can warm the bowl beforehand for added comfort).
- Pour the creamy sausage sauce over the pasta.
- Add the unsalted butter and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl, and toss everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil and parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy indulgence!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 818.5
- Fat: 51.9g
- Saturated Fat: 22.6g
- Cholesterol: 120.1mg
- Sodium: 1350.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 65.6g
- Fiber: 8.6g
- Sugar: 0.8g
- Protein: 24.4g
Tips:
- For a lighter version, you can use turkey or chicken sausage and substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients and color.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds the best flavor, but you can use pre-grated if that’s what you have on hand.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion:
Creamy Sausage Penne is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings for a comforting meal. Despite its richness, it’s surprisingly simple to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its creamy goodness and hearty appeal. So go ahead, indulge a little, and treat yourself to a taste of culinary bliss! 🍝
