If you have a craving for something rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is exactly the dish you need to try tonight. Imagine tender pasta enveloped in a luscious, herb-infused sauce, all highlighted by the savory goodness of Italian sausage. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s surprisingly straightforward to make but delivers a restaurant-quality experience from the comfort of your kitchen. Once you dive into this creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying plate, it might just become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe might seem simple, but together they create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that bring this dish to life. From the hearty Italian sausage to the fragrant herbs and creamy cheeses, every component plays a vital role in making this pasta irresistible.
- 12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta: These pasta shapes hold the sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is coated.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the sausage perfectly.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage: The star protein, delivering bold, seasoned flavor.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Provides natural sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with its warm, aromatic quality.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and a touch of color.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Perfect for deglazing and enriching the sauce.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings a fresh, tangy brightness that balances the creaminess.
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that complements the sausage flawlessly.
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, peppery note that pairs beautifully with tomato.
- 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley: Freshens the dish with a mild herbal flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for perfectly seasoning every element.
- 1/2 cup half and half or heavy cream: Creates the silky, indulgent sauce that makes this pasta unforgettable.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, lending creamy stretchiness.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your choice of penne or fusilli pasta until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Be sure to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water will come in handy later to adjust the sauce consistency, making it silkier and better clinging to the pasta.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. Browning those pieces to a lovely golden color is key—not only does it enhance flavor, but it also develops those irresistible caramelized bits. Once no longer pink and cooked through, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Using the same skillet (no need to wash!), toss in diced onion and cook over medium heat until it softens and turns translucent, roughly five minutes. Then add the minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring consistently. Cooking this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes helps release the garlic’s essence and concentrates the tomato paste’s rich tomato flavor, forming the flavorful base of your sauce.
Step 4: Deglaze the Skillet with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth to the skillet and use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up all those savory browned bits stuck to the bottom. This process, called deglazing, is a magical step that layers the sauce with deeper flavor complexity. Let the broth simmer a little—about three to five minutes—as it reduces and intensifies.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce with Tomatoes and Herbs
Next, stir in the entire can of diced tomatoes, including their juices, along with dried oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer this vibrant sauce for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens nicely, allowing the flavors to mingle and blossom into an aromatic, colorful sauce that perfectly complements the savory sausage.
Step 6: Add Cream for the Signature Richness
Lower the heat and stir in your half and half or heavy cream. Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. If the sauce looks too thick, add a touch of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up, ensuring every pasta shape will be glazed in that luscious, creamy goodness.
Step 7: Combine Sausage and Pasta with Sauce
Return the browned sausage to the skillet, followed by your drained pasta. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly so every noodle is coated in that warm, velvety sauce, creating the signature heartiness that makes this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe so comforting.
Step 8: Finish with Melted Cheese
Finally, sprinkle in the Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted to total creaminess. This step offers not only richness but also a beautiful cheesy pull that brings the dish together and elevates the eating experience.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish can turn simple into spectacular. Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley on top before serving to add color and fresh flavor. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also give a welcome hint of heat that dances alongside the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This pasta stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad featuring a tangy vinaigrette or a basket of warm garlic bread. The freshness of the salad cuts through the richness, while the garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in deep pasta bowls to showcase its creamy texture, and consider a rustic wooden table setting to echo the homestyle vibes. For a special touch, offer a parmesan cheese wheel at the table for guests to add an extra cheesy flourish. This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe also shines when presented in a casserole dish for casual family dinners or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld even further overnight, and your pasta will keep well for up to three days, making for an easy next-day meal.
Freezing
This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe freezes well, especially if you want to make a batch ahead of time. Cool it completely, then freeze in portions. Be mindful that cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, so gentle reheating will be necessary.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm slowly over low heat in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth during reheating to help restore the creamy sauce’s smooth texture, stirring gently until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne and fusilli are ideal because they hold sauce well, feel free to use rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just adjust cooking time based on your pasta choice to keep it al dente.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or sauté a mix of mushrooms and bell peppers for a flavorful vegetarian version that still packs a tasty punch.
Can I use regular cream instead of half and half?
Using heavy cream will make the sauce even creamier and richer. If you prefer a lighter version, half and half works beautifully without compromising texture or taste.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or too thin?
The reserved pasta water is your best friend here. If the sauce thickens too much, add it a tablespoon at a time to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance for a quick weeknight meal?
Definitely! You can cook the sausage and prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate them separately. When ready to eat, cook the pasta fresh, then combine and heat everything together. This cuts down your cooking time significantly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s approachable, delicious, and perfect for bringing friends and family together over a satisfying meal. Don’t hesitate to give it a try soon—you might just find your new go-to comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is to love.
Print
Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A creamy and comforting Italian sausage pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a savory tomato and herb sauce enriched with cream and melted cheeses. This recipe combines ground Italian sausage, aromatic onions and garlic, and a blend of classic Italian herbs to create a rich and flavorful dinner perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
Meat and aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup half and half or heavy cream
Cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Let the broth simmer for 3-5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Make the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes with their liquid, dried oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the Cream: Stir in the half and half (or heavy cream) and let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Combine: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- You can substitute half and half with heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Italian sausage can be hot or mild depending on your preference.
- Make sure to cook the sausage thoroughly before adding it back to the sauce.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
