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
Units
Scale
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.