Spicy Penne Rosé with Sausage & Spinach Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that’s equal parts cozy, creamy, and packing just the right amount of heat, look no further than Spicy Penne Rosé with Sausage & Spinach. This Italian-inspired pasta brings together a luscious rosé sauce, the robust flavors of Italian sausage, peppery spinach, and a gentle chili warmth that’ll awaken all your senses. Whether it’s for a weeknight family meal or wowing your friends at dinner, this recipe is sure to become your new go-to comfort food!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Spicy Penne Rosé with Sausage & Spinach lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is hand-picked to lend flavor, richness, and a gorgeous pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need to make this crowd-pleasing pasta sing.

• Penne Pasta: Its tubular shape soaks up the creamy rosé sauce brilliantly for the perfect bite every time.
• Italian Sausage (spicy or mild): Brings a savory depth and a punch of flavor; choose spicy for extra heat or mild for balance.
• Baby Spinach: Adds freshness and a lovely green contrast; wilts beautifully in the warm sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes (canned): The base of the rosé sauce; quality canned tomatoes make all the difference here.
• Heavy Cream: The secret to that silky, rosé-hued finish that makes this sauce so irresistible.
• Onion & Garlic: Aromatics that infuse the sauce with sweetness and complexity.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: The key to the “spicy” kick—adjust to your taste!
• Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding richness to the base of the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Lends salty, nutty notes to finish the dish off perfectly.
• Salt & Black Pepper: To balance and enhance all the flavors in your pasta.

How to Make Spicy Penne Rosé with Sausage & Spinach

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until just shy of al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. This ensures that when the pasta simmers in the sauce later, it won’t get mushy. Drain and reserve about a cup of pasta water—you might need it to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a big, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the casings from your Italian sausages and crumble them directly into the pan. Cook until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through, using a wooden spoon to break it into small, bite-sized pieces. This step lays the flavorful foundation for your Spicy Penne Rosé with Sausage & Spinach.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in chopped onion. Sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, then add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook just until fragrant—about 1 minute—which brings a wonderful depth and spicy aroma without burning the garlic.

Step 4: Simmer the Rosé Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let this mixture bubble gently for 8-10 minutes. Your kitchen will smell incredible! Next, stir in the heavy cream until the sauce turns that luscious pink rosé color. Season with salt and pepper, tasting along the way. The magic of Spicy Penne Rosé with Sausage & Spinach is in the balance between richness, tang, and heat.

Step 5: Add the Spinach and Finish

Add baby spinach by the handful, stirring it into the hot sauce until wilted. Return the penne to the skillet and toss everything together, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy, clingy sauce. Finish with a generous handful of grated parmesan—toss again so every noodle gets coated in cheesy, spicy, rosé goodness.

How to Serve Spicy Penne Rosé with Sausage & Spinach

Garnishes

For that final flourish, top your steaming bowls of Spicy Penne Rosé with Sausage & Spinach with more freshly grated parmesan, a shower of chopped fresh basil or parsley, and an extra sprinkle of chili flakes if you like things hot. A glug of good olive oil just before serving takes it over the top!

Side Dishes

This pasta shines on its own, but it’s even more delightful alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, or some garlicky, toasted bread for sauce-mopping. If you’re feeling fancy, a simple antipasti platter with olives, cured meats, and roasted veggies makes for a well-rounded Italian-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For small gatherings, try serving Spicy Penne Rosé with Sausage & Spinach in a big, rustic serving bowl with tongs so everyone can help themselves. For a date night in, divide into wide, shallow pasta bowls, twirl a little high for eye-catching height, and add a sprig of basil for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Leftovers make an excellent lunch packed in a thermos for work or a picnic—yes, it’s just as good the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Packed up in an airtight container, Spicy Penne Rosé with Sausage & Spinach keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!

Freezing

If you want to save a batch for a later date, let the dish cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep its great taste and texture for 1 to 2 months. Just remember: cream-based sauces can separate a little, but a good stir when reheating will bring everything back together.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too—use short bursts, stirring in between, and cover loosely to keep things moist. Top with a fresh sprinkle of parmesan before serving for that just-cooked vibe.

FAQs

Can I make Spicy Penne Rosé with Sausage & Spinach gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free penne and check that your sausage is certified gluten-free. The sauce and mix-ins remain naturally gluten-free, so everyone at your table can dig in worry-free.

Which type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Spicy Italian sausage is the go-to for maximum flavor and heat, but you can also use mild Italian, chicken, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter twist. Just aim for a sausage that’s packed with herbs and flavor to stand up to the creamy rosé sauce.

Can I add more veggies?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or zucchini make fantastic additions. Just cook them along with the onions for extra flavor and a little more color and nutrition.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Sure—you’re not limited to penne! Rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle will work beautifully. The key is choosing a shape with plenty of grooves or surface area to soak up that delectable sauce.

Is there a non-dairy version of this rosé sauce?

Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk, and use a vegan cheese for finishing. The result will be just as creamy and comforting with a deliciously subtle twist.

Final Thoughts

If ever a pasta could win hearts in a single bite, it’s Spicy Penne Rosé with Sausage & Spinach. Rich, vibrant, just the right amount of spicy—this recipe is a love letter to bold flavors and weeknight ease. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a plateful of joy; you’ll be coming back for seconds, guaranteed!