Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is a comforting, indulgent dish that’s loaded with bold flavors and creamy textures. It’s a one-pot wonder that combines savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a velvety cream sauce for a dish that feels both gourmet and approachable. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, this recipe comes together quickly while delivering restaurant-quality results.

Whether you’re serving it to guests or your family, this pasta dish is sure to become a household favorite. It’s versatile, allowing for ingredient swaps, and easy enough to prepare, even for novice cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich, Comforting Flavors: The creamy sauce, combined with the robust seasoning of Italian sausage, creates a decadent and satisfying dish.
2. Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
3. One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes to wash without sacrificing flavor.
4. Customizable: Add veggies, switch up the sausage, or adjust spices to your liking.
5. Crowd-Pleaser: This dish appeals to kids and adults alike, making it a go-to for family dinners.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain and Reserve Water:
   • Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use. Drizzle the pasta with olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

1. Heat the Pan:
   • In the same pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Sausage:
   • Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Remove Excess Grease:
   • If necessary, drain off any excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot for added flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

1. Add Onions:
   • Stir in the diced onions and cook until they are softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Add Garlic:
   • Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce

1. Deglaze the Pan:
   • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds depth to the sauce.
2. Add the Cream:
   • Stir in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Season the Sauce:
   • Add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Taste and Adjust:
   • Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta

1. Add Pasta to the Sauce:
   • Return the cooked pasta to the pot and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
2. Incorporate Add-Ins:
   • Stir in spinach or kale and sun-dried tomatoes, if using. Allow the greens to wilt slightly.
3. Adjust Consistency:
   • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish:
   • Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
2. Serve Immediately:
   • Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Pasta:
   • Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or farfalle hold the sauce well.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta:
   • Cook it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when combined with the sauce.
3. Balance the Creaminess:
   • Add extra Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
4. Use High-Quality Sausage:
   • Fresh, well-seasoned Italian sausage will elevate the dish.
5. Keep it Warm:
   • Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Option:
   • Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative.
2. Spicy Version:
   • Use spicy Italian sausage and double the red pepper flakes.
3. Tomato Base:
   • Add a cup of marinara sauce for a creamy tomato-based pasta.
4. Cheese Lover’s Delight:
   • Mix in shredded mozzarella or provolone for an even cheesier dish.

Serving Suggestions

1. Sides:
   • Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent accompaniments.
2. Wine Pairing:
   • A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir pairs beautifully.
3. Toppings:
   • Crumbled bacon or toasted breadcrumbs add extra texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, but the sauce may be slightly less rich. You can thicken it with a bit of cornstarch if needed.

Q: What type of sausage is best?
A: Mild or spicy Italian sausage works well, but you can use turkey sausage or chicken sausage as a leaner alternative.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is a versatile and indulgent dish that’s sure to please any crowd. With its rich, savory flavors and easy preparation, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this recipe is a keeper.

Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to a bowl of creamy, dreamy pasta perfection!

Yield: 4

Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

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Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is a comforting, indulgent dish that's loaded with bold flavors and creamy textures. It's a one-pot wonder that combines savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a velvety cream sauce for a dish that feels both gourmet and approachable. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, this recipe comes together quickly while delivering restaurant-quality results.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional, roughly chopped)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Sausage:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove excess grease if needed.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:

1. Add the onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Make the Sauce:

1. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
2. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce.
2. Stir in spinach, if using, and cook until wilted. Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, if the sauce is too thick.
3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

6. Serve:

1. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
2. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Pasta Choice: Short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni work best for holding the creamy sauce.
• Vegetable Variations: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies.
• Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for heavy cream.