If you’re craving comfort food that’s rich, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, look no further than creamy sausage pasta. This indulgent dish combines savory sausage, a velvety cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that feels like a warm hug. Ready to take your weeknight dinners to the next level? Keep reading—you won’t want to miss this.
Creamy Sausage Pasta
Description
This creamy sausage pasta is the culinary equivalent of a cozy sweater on a chilly evening. Rich, savory sausage paired with velvety cream sauce hugs every twist and curl of the pasta, creating that just-right balance of bold flavor and smooth texture. With just one bite, you are transported to a rustic Italian trattoria where comfort food and culinary delight share the same plate.
Each mouthful delivers juicy bites of sausage nestled in a lush garlic parmesan cream sauce that clings beautifully to tender noodles. It’s the kind of hearty, soul-warming meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and makes everyone gather around the table before you can even say dinner is ready. Whether it’s a chilly fall night or a busy weeknight, this dish hits every comforting note.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy sausage pasta is a weeknight wonder. It comes together quickly in just one pan for easy prep and cleanup. You will love how the rich cream sauce is elevated by browned sausage and the fragrant depth of garlic and Italian seasoning. It’s satisfying without being overly heavy and endlessly customizable with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes.
Even better, this recipe is family friendly and perfect for meal prepping. The creamy texture and savory bite make it appealing to both adults and kids, while the leftovers taste just as good the next day. It is a winning combination of ease, versatility, and unforgettable flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to its original silky consistency. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For meal prepping, you can cook the pasta and sausage in advance and store them separately until ready to finish the sauce and assemble.
Course, Cuisine, Keywords
Dinner, Italian American, creamy sausage pasta, easy weeknight pasta, one pan pasta
Servings, Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Serving Size
| Servings: | 4 |
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 15 minutes |
| Total Time: | 25 minutes |
| Serving Size: | 1 plate |
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta such as penne or rigatoni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage removed from casing
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. If you’re prepping ahead, drizzle the noodles with a bit of olive oil so they do not stick together.
- Sauté the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the sausage and break it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until nicely browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Browning adds so much flavor here, so don’t rush this step.
- Build the flavor base: Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let them sizzle for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to keep the garlic from burning. Your kitchen will smell amazing right about now.
- Deglaze and add liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all those flavorful brown bits from the bottom. This liquid soaks up every ounce of sausage flavor. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Create the cream sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently and allow the sauce to come together. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so it thickens slightly. Avoid boiling the cream or it may curdle.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan until it melts and the sauce is smooth. This is the moment it becomes rich, cheesy perfection. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in sauce. Allow it to heat through, about 2 to 3 more minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Plate up your creamy sausage pasta and top with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if you like a little extra indulgence. Serve it immediately and watch everyone smile.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 664 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Fat | 40g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 1020mg |
For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely. You can use spicy, sweet, or even chicken sausage for a lighter twist. If using something lean like chicken, be sure to add a splash of olive oil to prevent it from drying out.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Yes. Spinach, kale, cherry tomatoes, or even zucchini slices are delicious additions. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking so they soften without turning soggy.
How can I make this gluten free?
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your sausage and broth for hidden gluten. The sauce itself is naturally gluten free.
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Creamy Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta such as penne or rigatoni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage removed from casing
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze, lifting any browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently until the sauce starts to thicken, around 5 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let heat through for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
