This Sausage and Spinach Penne Skillet Supper is a culinary triumph in simplicity and taste. Requiring just one skillet from start to finish, this dish promises a straightforward preparation and an explosion of delightful flavors in every bite.

Sausage and Spinach Penne Skillet Supper: A Weeknight Wonder

Remember that beloved one-pan pasta dish I raved about some time ago? The one featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and rich Parmesan cheese, all cooked conveniently in a single skillet? It remains one of my all-time favorite dinners, a true testament to the magic of simple, satisfying meals.

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to its equally delicious, yet distinctly unique, culinary cousin: the Sausage and Spinach Penne Skillet Supper. While sharing the same easy, one-pan spirit, this rendition offers a fresh flavor profile that’s sure to captivate your taste buds and earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.

Why This One-Pan Wonder Will Become Your Go-To Meal

This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a celebration of comfort food elevated with convenience. What sets this particular skillet supper apart is its exquisite balance of flavors and textures. Imagine mildly spicy Italian sausage, perfectly browned, mingling with the earthy goodness of wilted spinach, the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pine nuts. All these incredible ingredients are harmoniously combined with al dente penne pasta, absorbing every drop of the rich broth as it cooks, creating a truly unforgettable meal.

The beauty of a one-pot or one-skillet meal cannot be overstated. As a busy home cook, I consistently seek out recipes that minimize cleanup without compromising on taste, and this dish delivers on all fronts. From the initial browning of the sausage to the final toss with Parmesan, everything happens in a single pan. This means less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying delicious food with your loved ones.

My family, especially the kids, always lights up at the mention of pasta for dinner. This recipe was an instant hit, quickly devoured with requests for seconds. Its straightforward preparation makes it ideal for hectic weeknights when you crave something wholesome and homemade but are short on time. It’s the kind of meal that feels elaborate but comes together with surprising ease.

Sausage and Spinach Penne Skillet Supper

Yield:

6
servings

Prep Time:

20
mins

Cook Time:

20
mins

Total Time:

40
mins

4.74 stars (30 ratings)

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon
  olive oil
• 1 pound
  Italian-style sausage, casings removed (mild pork or turkey sausage works wonderfully)
• 3 medium
  garlic cloves, minced finely
• 3 ½ cups
  water
• 2 ½ cups
  low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup
  oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, rinsed, patted dry, and chopped fine
• ½ teaspoon
  salt
• 12 ounces
  penne pasta (approximately 3 ½ cups)
• 1 (6-ounce) bag
  baby spinach
• ¾ cup
  grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup
  toasted pine nuts

Instructions

• Step 1: Brown the Sausage. Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and break it up with a spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is lightly browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, stir in the finely minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
• Step 2: Add Liquids and Pasta. Pour in the water and low-sodium chicken broth, then add the rinsed and chopped sun-dried tomatoes and ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a strong simmer. Once simmering, add the penne pasta, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the liquid.
• Step 3: Cook the Pasta. Increase the heat to medium-high and maintain a strong simmer, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking and to ensure even cooking. Continue to cook for about 15-18 minutes, or until the pasta is tender to your liking and the liquid has significantly thickened into a luscious sauce. Chef’s Tip: If you notice the liquid absorbing too quickly and the pasta is still firm, add a small amount of extra water (¼ cup at a time) until the pasta reaches perfect doneness. The goal is creamy, not dry, pasta.
• Step 4: Finish and Serve. Reduce the heat to low, or remove the skillet from the burner. Stir in the baby spinach, adding it a handful at a time, allowing it to wilt into the hot pasta. Once the spinach has softened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the toasted pine nuts. Taste and season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, flavorful skillet supper!

Notes and Tips for Success

Recipe Yield and Adjustments: The original recipe called for only 8 ounces of pasta, which can be a bit light for a family-sized meal. This adapted version utilizes 12 ounces of penne pasta and a corresponding amount of liquid to ensure a generous yield of 6 servings. This will result in a very full 12-inch skillet, but it should still be manageable. If you prefer a smaller portion, you can easily scale down the recipe: use 8 ounces of pasta and a total of 5 ½ cups of liquid (a combination of water and broth).
Sausage Choice: While Italian-style turkey sausage is an excellent lean option, feel free to use mild or even spicy Italian pork sausage for a richer flavor profile. Just remember to remove the casings for optimal texture in the skillet.
Pine Nuts: Toasting pine nuts briefly in a dry skillet before adding them really enhances their nutty flavor and aroma, adding a layer of sophistication to the dish. Don’t skip this step if you have the time!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Rinsing oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes helps remove excess oil and any lingering bitterness, allowing their sweet, tangy flavor to shine without overpowering the dish. Patting them dry ensures they integrate well.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: The key to perfectly cooked pasta in a one-pan dish is a steady simmer and frequent stirring. This allows the pasta to cook evenly and release its starches, which helps thicken the sauce naturally.

Author:
Mel

Course:
Main Course

Cuisine:
American, Italian

Method:
Stovetop

Serving:
1
Serving

,

Calories:
486
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
52
g

,

Protein:
28
g

,

Fat:
19
g

,

Saturated Fat:
6
g

,

Cholesterol:
51
mg

,

Sodium:
1173
mg

,

Fiber:
4
g

,

Sugar:
5
g

Recommended Products

12-Inch Nonstick Skillet

Box Grater

Garlic Press

Recipe Source: This recipe is lovingly adapted from “The Best Skillet Recipes”, tweaked to bring even more flavor and a perfect family portion to your table.