Creamy Pesto Italian Sausage Penne Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more vibrant flavor, add a handful of fresh baby spinach during the final five minutes of cooking. The residual heat will wilt the spinach perfectly without overcooking it, adding a touch of color and texture to the dish. Ensure the spinach is washed and dried thoroughly before adding.

If you find the sauce is too thick after stirring, incorporate a tablespoon of warm water or broth at a time until the desired texture is reached.

This adjustment allows you to control the richness and viscosity of the sauce without diluting the overall flavor of the Italian herbs and sausage.

Variations

• Spicy Sausage Penne: Incorporate a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning to add a pleasant heat that cuts through the creaminess of the cheese.
• Vegetable Medley: Add a cup of sliced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the sausage to introduce extra texture and flavor depth to the finished pasta dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Allow the dish to cool at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before placing it into the refrigerator.

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality of the pasta and the integrity of the creamy sauce. Keep the container sealed tightly to prevent the pasta from drying out or absorbing other odors.

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance by slicing the sausage and keeping it refrigerated until ready to assemble.

Do not combine the ingredients in the slow cooker until you are ready to start the cooking process, as the dry pasta will absorb moisture unevenly if left in contact with the other ingredients for too long.

Serving ideas

Serve this creamy pasta in warm bowls to help maintain its temperature during the meal. A simple side of crusty bread or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a wonderful contrast to the richness of the pesto and sausage, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

For an elegant presentation, garnish the plates with a small amount of extra grated cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if available.

Serve immediately while the sauce is still glossy and the pasta is tender, as the creaminess is most enjoyable when the dish is served hot from the slow cooker.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Pesto Italian Sausage Penne

Prep 5 minCook 3 hRest 5 minTotal 3 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced into coins
• 1 lb penne pasta, dry
• 1 packet Italian seasoning
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed

Instructions

1. Place the sliced Italian sausage coins at the bottom of the slow cooker basin. Distribute the dry penne pasta evenly over the sausage layer to ensure even cooking.
2. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning packet over the pasta. Place the cubed cream cheese strategically across the top of the pasta and seasoning layer.
3. Cover and cook on high for three hours. Once finished, stir the mixture vigorously until the cream cheese creates a glossy, uniform sauce. Ensure the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) before serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

650

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

35 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.