Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Sausage Pasta is a rich, hearty, and comforting dish that comes together fast with simple ingredients. Featuring savory sausage, tender pasta, and a velvety cream sauce infused with garlic and parmesan, this one-pan recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy nights in. It’s bold, creamy, and full of flavor—everything a satisfying pasta dish should be.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
pasta of choice (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)olive oilgarlic cloves (minced)yellow onion (chopped)chicken broth or vegetable brothheavy creamparmesan cheese (grated)crushed red pepper flakes (optional)spinach or kale (optional for greens)saltblack pepperfresh parsley (for garnish)
directions
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, then stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to deglaze the pan.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add cooked pasta, parmesan, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until coated and creamy.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
Stir in spinach or kale if using, and cook until just wilted.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and more parmesan if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes
Variations
Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut cream.
Top with mozzarella and broil for a baked pasta twist.
Make it gluten-free with GF pasta.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.Not recommended for freezing due to dairy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, just slice and warm it in the sauce instead of browning.
What pasta shape works best?
Short shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well.
Is it spicy?
It depends on your sausage—use spicy Italian for heat or add red pepper flakes.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, it reheats well—just store the sauce and pasta separately if possible.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based cream and parmesan substitutes for a dairy-free version.
Do I need to add greens?
No, but spinach or kale add nutrition and color.
What can I serve it with?
Garlic bread, salad, or roasted veggies pair beautifully.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just use a large enough skillet or pot.
Is this kid-friendly?
Definitely—use mild sausage and skip the spice.
Conclusion
Creamy Sausage Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that’s full of cozy, savory goodness. With tender pasta, flavorful sausage, and a luscious cream sauce, it’s everything you need for a comforting dinner in one pan. Easy to make, satisfying to eat, and sure to become a family favorite!
PrintCreamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe is a rich, comforting, and flavor-packed dish featuring tender pasta tossed in a luscious cream sauce with savory sausage, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in the cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- This pasta reheats well with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
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