Creamy Italian sausage pasta is a rich and indulgent dish that combines tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a luscious, flavorful cream sauce. With its satisfying blend of textures and flavors, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Comforting: The creamy sauce and hearty sausage make this dish incredibly satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A dish that’s sure to be loved by both kids and adults.
- Customizable: Adapt with your favorite vegetables, spices, or pasta shapes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- Italian sausage (mild, spicy, or sweet)
- Heavy cream
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Crushed tomatoes (optional, for added tang)
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook the Italian sausage until browned and crumbled. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add crushed tomatoes if using.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and toss with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Different Cheeses: Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, slice or crumble pre-cooked sausage and add it to the sauce for a quicker meal.
2. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well, as they hold the sauce nicely.
3. How do I make this dairy-free?
Use a plant-based cream alternative and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead and cook the pasta fresh before serving.
5. What type of Italian sausage should I use?
Choose mild, spicy, or sweet Italian sausage based on your flavor preference.
6. Can I freeze creamy Italian sausage pasta?
The sauce may not freeze well due to the cream, but you can freeze the cooked sausage and prepare the sauce fresh later.
7. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Simmer the sauce longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
8. Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.
9. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. Add a bit of cornstarch to help thicken it.
10. What pairs well with creamy Italian sausage pasta?
Serve with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Creamy Italian sausage pasta is a rich and satisfying dish that’s simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. With its creamy sauce, hearty sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. Customize it to your taste, and enjoy a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Print
Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is a rich, comforting dish featuring savory Italian sausage, a velvety cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- Salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 300 g (10 oz) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Make the Sauce:
- Cook the Sausage:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Liquid Ingredients:
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve:
- Mix the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Notes
- Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.