Description
Creamy Sausage Pasta is a quick, rich, and flavorful dinner combining spicy Italian sausage, a silky heavy cream sauce, and tender pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting meal balances indulgence and ease, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a satisfying pasta dish with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz Italian sausage (remove from casings)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the sausage and aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove sausage from casings and crumble into the pan. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, around 3 minutes.
- Cook the pasta: While the sausage cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Make the creamy sauce: Lower heat and pour heavy cream into the skillet with the sausage mixture. Stir to combine, then add grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to thicken, stirring often. If sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sausage sauce. Toss thoroughly until pasta is evenly coated and heated through.
- Final touches: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Stir in freshly chopped parsley or basil for freshness and color. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Use good quality Italian sausage for optimal flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for best melting and flavor.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg