Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Get ready to savor an incredible combination of savory flavors with this Sausage and Mushroom Pasta recipe. This pasta dish blends the richness of Italian sausage with the earthy flavors of mushrooms, all wrapped in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce that coats each piece of pasta beautifully. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe is easy to make yet full of comforting, deep flavors.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt helps to season the pasta as it cooks.
2. Cook Pasta: Add your choice of pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This texture will help the pasta absorb the creamy sauce later.
3. Drain and Set Aside: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water to add to the sauce if it needs extra moisture later on.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or sauté pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the Sausage: Remove the sausage from its casing and add it to the pan. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks.
3. Brown the Sausage: Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is fully browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics

1. Add Butter and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms.
2. Cook Until Golden: Sauté the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and have released their moisture. Cooking them until they are slightly caramelized will enhance their flavor.
3. Add Garlic and Onion: Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the mushrooms. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can create a bitter taste.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Deglaze with Broth: Add 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step adds depth to the sauce.
2. Add Heavy Cream: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
3. Return Sausage to the Pan: Add the cooked sausage back to the pan and stir to combine with the sauce.
4. Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is thickened.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, stirring to coat each piece in the creamy mixture.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Simmer Together: Allow the pasta to simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes, absorbing the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Pasta: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil for a burst of fresh color.
2. Add Extra Spice: Sprinkle additional red pepper flakes on top if you prefer a spicier dish.

Tips for Perfect Sausage and Mushroom Pasta

1. Choose Quality Sausage: Opt for Italian sausage, either spicy or mild, to add a flavorful, savory element to the dish. Remove the casing for easy cooking.
2. Cook the Mushrooms Thoroughly: Make sure to sauté the mushrooms until they are golden brown to release their earthy, umami flavor.
3. Heavy Cream for Creaminess: Heavy cream creates a rich, luxurious sauce. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be less thick.
4. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Grating your own Parmesan cheese enhances the dish’s flavor, as pre-grated cheeses often have anti-caking agents that affect texture and taste.
5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil not only adds color but also brightens the flavors of the dish.

Variations on Sausage and Mushroom Pasta

1. Vegetable Additions: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for more color and nutrients.
2. Swap the Sausage: Try using ground chicken, turkey sausage, or even a meat-free sausage for a vegetarian twist.
3. Spicy Twist: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
4. Different Cheeses: Mix in shredded mozzarella or provolone along with Parmesan for a cheesier, gooey texture.

Nutritional Information

• High in Protein: The Italian sausage provides a good amount of protein, making this a filling meal.
• Rich in Flavor: Using heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a rich sauce, so smaller portions can still be satisfying.
• Balanced with Vegetables: The mushrooms add a dose of vitamins and minerals while contributing to the dish’s savory taste.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side Salad: A crisp side salad with arugula, spinach, and a light vinaigrette pairs well with the rich pasta.
• Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted broccoli, asparagus, or carrots on the side for extra color and nutrients.

Storage and Reheating

1. Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheat Carefully: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
3. Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the cream sauce may separate upon freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your broth is gluten-free.

2. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be thinner. You can also use a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version.

3. What type of pasta works best?
Hearty shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are ideal for holding the sauce.

4. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat at a gentle simmer when adding the cream, as high heat can cause it to separate.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately. Combine and reheat before serving, adding a splash of cream to refresh the sauce if necessary.

Conclusion

This Sausage and Mushroom Pasta recipe brings together the best of hearty and comforting flavors in one easy-to-make dish. Perfectly browned Italian sausage, sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce coat each bite of pasta, making every forkful rich and satisfying.

Yield: 4

Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Print

Get ready to savor an incredible combination of savory flavors with this Sausage and Mushroom Pasta recipe. This pasta dish blends the richness of Italian sausage with the earthy flavors of mushrooms, all wrapped in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce that coats each piece of pasta beautifully. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe is easy to make yet full of comforting, deep flavors.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Sausage:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
   
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and diced onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are golden and the onion is softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
   
4. Make the Sauce:
   Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
5. Combine and Serve:
   Add the cooked pasta and sausage back into the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve warm.

Notes

• Add Veggies: For more color and flavor, try adding spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Make It Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.