Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

📝 Ingredients

• 1 lb penne rigate
• 1 lb spicy or sweet Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1 medium sweet onion (finely diced)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 3 medium garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 Tbsp dry Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2-1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 8 oz jar sun dried tomatoes (rinsed)
• 1 5 oz package baby spinach leaves
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus additional for garnishing)
• 1-2 Tbsp prepared basil pesto (plus additional as needed)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Boil penne pasta in a large pot of salted water per the package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserve the pasta water.
2. 2In a dutch oven or large saucepan, cook the Italian sausage and onion in a light drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook until no pink remains, around 8 minutes, then drain excess grease from the pan.
3. 3Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan, cook for 1-2 minutes longer.
4. 4On medium-low, add the cream to the pot, simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add the spinach and sundried tomatoes. Cook while stirring, just until the spinach has wilted.
5. 5Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese, stir to evenly coat. Add reserved pasta water in small amounts, to thin the sauce to your taste.
6. 6Add one tablespoon of basil pesto at a time, increasing the amount to your taste. Simmer just until heated through.
7. 7Serve immediately topped with additional Parmesan cheese.