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
Units
Scale
- 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