Creamy Italian Sausage & Noodles

**Rich, savory, cheesy, and incredibly easy—this one-pan pasta is pure comfort food!**

Ingredients

* 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
* 12 oz egg noodles or fettuccine
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 small onion, diced
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tsp Italian seasoning
* ½ tsp smoked paprika
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 4 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
* 1 cup baby spinach, optional
* ½ tsp salt
* ¼ tsp black pepper
* 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. **Brown the sausage:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Add the onion and cook until softened.

2. **Add the flavor:** Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. **Cook the noodles:** Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the noodles. Cook according to the pasta package directions, stirring occasionally.

4. **Make it creamy:** Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add Parmesan and stir until melted into a rich, creamy sauce.

5. **Add spinach:** Fold in the spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until wilted.

6. **Finish & serve:** Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

**🔥 Tip:** For extra flavor, use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes. A splash of pasta water can also loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.