This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Featuring savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious creamy tomato sauce, it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. The blend of herbs and Parmesan adds an irresistible Italian flair, making it a family favorite.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: ~550 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 g) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Break it into crumbles with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: If the skillet is dry, add a little olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream and crushed tomatoes. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Add Cheese & Pasta: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
6. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Serve with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of Chianti or Pinot Grigio complements the rich flavors perfectly.
- Extra Protein: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture and nutrients.
Tips & Variations
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for a bold, spicy version.
- Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter yet creamy sauce.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta without compromising flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of this Italian Sausage Pasta—comfort food at its finest!
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Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Featuring savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious creamy tomato sauce, it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. The blend of herbs and Parmesan adds an irresistible Italian flair, making it a family favorite.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 g) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Break it into crumbles with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: If the skillet is dry, add a little olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream and crushed tomatoes. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Add Cheese & Pasta: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
6. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~550 kcal per serving