Creamy Sausage Pasta is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of sausage, a creamy tomato-based sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy one-pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot convenience means minimal cleanup.
- Rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavors.
- Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or spices.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- Olive oil
- Italian sausage (mild, spicy, or chicken sausage)
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Tomato paste
- Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove any excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. If needed, use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetables: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Protein: Substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for a bolder flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of sausage?
Yes, Italian sausage (mild or spicy) works best, but you can use chicken sausage or even ground meat.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use a plant-based Parmesan substitute.
3. Can I freeze Creamy Sausage Pasta?
While the sauce freezes well, pasta can become mushy after freezing and reheating. Freeze the sauce separately and combine it with freshly cooked pasta when serving.
4. How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Simmer the sauce over low heat and avoid boiling the cream to prevent curdling.
5. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best as they hold the sauce well.
6. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be less rich. Add a bit of cornstarch slurry to thicken if needed.
7. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add freshly cooked pasta before serving.
8. Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Absolutely! Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor, and you can add extra for a cheesier dish.
9. How can I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce or simmer longer to thicken it.
10. What herbs go well with this recipe?
Fresh parsley, basil, or oregano complement the flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
Creamy Sausage Pasta is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s quick, easy, and packed with rich flavors. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is versatile and satisfying. Customize it to suit your taste, and enjoy a comforting meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Print
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
Indulge in this hearty and delicious Creamy Sausage Pasta! Perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with savory sausage slices makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) rotini or your favorite pasta
- Salt for boiling water
For the Sausage and Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz (225g) sausage links (Italian, smoked, or chicken), sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Stir in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta and sausage slices back into the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper.
Notes
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or cream cheese for a lighter option.
- Use spicy sausage for a kick of heat or sweet Italian sausage for a milder flavor.
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
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