CREAMY SAUSAGE PASTA RECIPE
LEARN HOW TO MAKE CREAMY SAUSAGE PASTA IN 10 MINUTES
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) sausage (Italian sausage or any preferred sausage, casings removed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine for more depth of flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano and basil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cook the sausage:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage (casings removed) and break it up with a spoon while cooking. Cook until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Deglaze and add cream:
- Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then, stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Combine sausage and seasonings:
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add Parmesan cheese:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of reserved pasta water.
Combine with pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the creamy sausage sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot!
Optional Add-ins:
- Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach at the end for extra greens.
- Mushrooms: Sauté with the onions for an earthy flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Add for a tangy twist.
Enjoy your creamy sausage pasta: