Creamy Sausage Pasta
Creamy Sausage Pasta is a quick and comforting meal that combines savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly dish uses simple ingredients and offers versatility with customizable add-ins or pasta choices. Enjoy a rich and satisfying dinner ready in under 30 minutes, bursting with rich flavors and creamy texture.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta used)
Protein and Pasta
- 12 oz Italian sausage (spicy or sweet)
- 8 oz medium-sized pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
Dairy and Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
Oils and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chili flakes, to taste
Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Slice or crumble the Italian sausage so it cooks evenly. Gather all ingredients before cooking.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove sausage from pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, building the flavorful base of the sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain pasta and reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Add heavy cream to the pan with onions and garlic. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Return cooked sausage to the sauce, then add drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- Choose high-quality sausage for best flavor.
- Do not overcook pasta; keep it al dente to hold up in the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
- Simmer cream sauce gently to avoid curdling and ensure silky texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and richer taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: creamy sausage pasta, Italian sausage pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, family-friendly pasta, sausage pasta recipe