Description
This 20 Minute Creamy Garlic Sausage Pasta is a fast, comforting, one-skillet dinner made with ground chicken, fresh spinach, Parmesan, and a rich garlic cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 pound penne pasta
1 pound ground chicken
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup butter
5 ounces fresh spinach
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional: crushed red pepper for serving
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked and lightly browned.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Carefully blot any excess grease from the pan if needed.
4. Reduce the heat to low. Add the butter and heavy cream, stirring until the butter is completely melted. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Add the spinach and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring, until wilted.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is well coated. Serve immediately, with crushed red pepper if desired.
Notes
For a flavor boost, try adding crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms. This dish also works well with rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni instead of penne.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American