This Creamy Sausage Alfredo Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish that combines the bold flavors of Italian sausage with a creamy Alfredo sauce. Served with fettuccine pasta, it’s a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. With a simple list of ingredients and a quick preparation time, you can enjoy a homemade restaurant-style dish in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sausage: In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the creamy sausage Alfredo pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Sausage: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce to give the dish an extra kick.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a heartier meal and more flavor.
- Different Pasta: Swap fettuccine for penne, rigatoni, or any pasta of your choice.
- Lighten It Up: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
- Add Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can be stirred into the sauce for added flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
10 FAQs
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage? Yes, ground turkey or chicken sausage can be used as a leaner alternative to Italian sausage.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While the pasta is best served fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use other cheeses like Romano or Asiago for a slightly different flavor, but Parmesan is traditionally used for its rich, nutty taste.
- Can I freeze this pasta? The pasta can be frozen, but the texture of the cream sauce may change after thawing. To freeze, allow the pasta and sauce to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
- Can I add more vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini to make it more nutritious and flavorful.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can swap the fettuccine for any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni.
- How can I make the sauce thicker? If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce, or add a tablespoon of flour to the cream mixture at the beginning of cooking.
- Is this recipe spicy? The recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage if you prefer heat.
- Can I use a non-dairy cream alternative? Yes, you can use coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute if you’re looking for a dairy-free version.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian? You can omit the sausage and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or another plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
Conclusion
This Creamy Sausage Alfredo Pasta is a quick, easy, and satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering. With its rich sauce, savory sausage, and tender fettuccine, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this dish is guaranteed to deliver delicious results every time.
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Creamy Sausage Alfredo Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Creamy Sausage Alfredo Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish featuring savory Italian sausage, creamy Alfredo sauce, and fettuccine pasta. With garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of seasoning, this pasta is a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to cook until the sauce has thickened and is well combined.
- Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the creamy sausage Alfredo pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute the fettuccine pasta with any pasta shape of your choice.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce won’t be as thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes