Name: Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground Italian sausage; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 3/4 teaspoon dried basil; 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup half and half or heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Description

Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re craving something rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this recipe is for you. My Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage will satisfy your comfort food cravings with its hearty ingredients and mouthwatering taste. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table!

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground Italian sausage
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon dried basil
3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup half and half or heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Cook the Sausage:
While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring and cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Next, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape any flavorful bits from the bottom. Let the broth reduce for 3-5 minutes, then add the diced tomatoes with their juices, along with the oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and allow the mixture to simmer and thicken for about 5-7 minutes.
Finish the Sauce:
Stir in the half and half or heavy cream, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Combine Everything:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the rich, creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Serve:
Serve the Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Pair it with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal.

Notes

Make sure to cook your pasta until it’s al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. This ensures that your pasta retains a pleasant firmness and won’t turn mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Choosing the Right Sausage:
Opt for a high-quality Italian sausage. You can choose between mild or spicy, depending on your taste preference. The sausage adds a lot of flavor to the dish, so make sure to use one you enjoy!