Creamy Sausage Alfredo Penne Pasta

Creamy Sausage Alfredo Penne Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish featuring tender penne noodles, savory sausage, and a velvety Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting, family-friendly meal that comes together quickly and delivers restaurant-quality taste at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The creamy Alfredo sauce complements the spiced sausage perfectly.
• One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal prep and cleanup make it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Filling and Satisfying: A hearty pasta meal that keeps you full and content.
• Easy to Customize: Add vegetables, switch sausages, or use different pasta shapes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Penne pasta
• Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic (minced)
• Unsalted butter
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, chopped parsley

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream, bring to a simmer, and stir in Parmesan cheese. Cook until thickened.
4. Combine Ingredients: Return sausage to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, and toss until evenly coated in the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
5. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas add color and nutrients.
• Use Chicken Sausage: For a lighter alternative, try chicken or turkey sausage.
• Different Pasta: Substitute fettuccine, rigatoni, or rotini based on availability.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave on medium power until hot.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, store-bought sauce can be used for convenience, though homemade offers richer flavor.

What kind of sausage is best?

Italian sausage—either sweet or spicy—works best for this recipe due to its seasoning.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Heavy cream is preferred for richness, but whole milk can be used with added butter for a lighter version.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Simmer gently and avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheese and cream.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and store in the fridge. Reheat gently with added liquid before serving.

What cheese works well besides Parmesan?

Try Romano or Asiago for a different sharpness or depth of flavor.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat slowly with added cream.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sausage is certified gluten-free.

How do I thicken the Alfredo sauce?

Simmer longer or add a touch of cream cheese for extra thickness and richness.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, a splash of dry white wine can be added after the garlic for depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Creamy Sausage Alfredo Penne Pasta is a decadent yet easy-to-make dinner that combines comforting textures with bold flavors. Ideal for both casual weeknights and special occasions, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

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