If you’re craving a dish that brings comfort and joy in every creamy, cheesy bite, then you absolutely have to try this Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of savory sausage mingling with a luscious, velvety sauce that hugs every piece of pasta. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special meal for friends, this recipe delivers big on flavor and warmth, making your kitchen smell heavenly and your taste buds dance with delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic. Each one plays a crucial role, from building rich flavors to giving the pasta its irresistible texture and color. These simple staples combine effortlessly to create that unforgettable creamy sausage pasta experience.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni): Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well for the best bite.
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water): Essential for seasoning your pasta perfectly from within.
- 1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy): The star protein adding savory depth and a hint of spice if you like.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant, herbaceous mix that brightens the dish.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want a little extra heat and zing.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The luscious base for that creamy, dreamy sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Balances richness and adds a subtle savory background flavor.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce to add nutty, cheesy goodness.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Brings color and a subtle tangy depth to the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for a touch of spice and warmth.
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust as needed): To bring out all the flavors perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing): Adds a pop of green freshness and brightness.
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving: Because you can never have too much cheese!
How to Make Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt layers in flavor from the very start, making your pasta taste seasoned and never bland. Add your pasta of choice and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—you want a little bite so it stands up to the creamy sauce beautifully. Drain and set it aside, but don’t forget to save a splash of pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground sausage. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, letting all that rich, meaty flavor caramelize for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s gorgeously browned. If there’s too much grease, go ahead and drain it off to keep the sauce from becoming overly oily.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
With the sausage in the skillet, add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. This step adds a subtle sweetness that balances the dish perfectly. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them, letting them cook for about 30 seconds until your kitchen fills with a mouthwatering aroma.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste to deepen the sauce’s color and flavor. Then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, mixing everything thoroughly. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes so it thickens just enough to coat the pasta without overpowering it.
Step 5: Melt in the Parmesan and Season
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into your simmering sauce along with black pepper and salt. Let it cook for 2 more minutes to allow the cheese to melt fully into the sauce, creating that signature creamy texture that makes this recipe so addictive.
Step 6: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Add your cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat each piece luxuriously. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly and the pasta absorbs some of the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve it warm, maybe with a glass of chilled white wine or your favorite iced tea, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks; it adds a bright herbal note that cuts through the richness wonderfully. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top gives it that irresistible cheesy finish that’s satisfying in every mouthful.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or garlic bread. The freshness of a salad adds contrast, while garlic bread soaks up any leftover creamy sauce, making every last drop count.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the creamy sausage pasta in individual bowls sprinkled generously with parsley and Parmesan. Or, for a cozy family-style feel, pile it high on a large platter and offer extra garnishes and pasta water on the side. You can even add roasted veggies tossed into the pasta for color and texture variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Store it promptly once cooled to maintain freshness and prevent the cream sauce from separating.
Freezing
While the texture may change slightly when frozen, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to a creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving on high heat, which can cause the sauce to break or become grainy.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well and makes for a leaner option. Just be mindful that it may cook faster and can be less fatty, so you might want to add a bit more cream for richness.
What pasta shape is best for this recipe?
Penne, rotini, or rigatoni are great choices because their ridges and hollow centers catch the creamy sauce beautifully, giving you more flavor in every bite.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! The recipe already includes optional red pepper flakes, but you can add more or use spicy sausage to kick up the heat to your liking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor will differ slightly, but the dish will still be deliciously creamy.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
You can toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the onion and garlic step to up the veggie content and bring extra color and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any occasion when you want comfort food that’s both rich and utterly satisfying. I promise once you try it, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So get cooking, and don’t forget to savor every creamy, cheesy bite!
Print
Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy sausage pasta recipe combines savory ground sausage with a rich, flavorful sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly cooked pasta is tossed in the creamy sauce and garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, making it a comforting and satisfying meal that can be prepared in just about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Sausage & Sauce:
- 1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
For Garnishing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to prepare for cooking the pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Add your choice of pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni) to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, which means the pasta is cooked but still has a firm bite.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside for later use with the sauce.
- Heat Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat to get ready for cooking the sausage.
- Cook Sausage: Add the ground sausage to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until it is browned thoroughly.
- Drain Grease: If there is excess grease in the skillet from the sausage, carefully drain it to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Sauté Onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using, which will add depth and a touch of heat to the dish.
- Cook Aromatics: Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned to maintain its flavor.
- Add Tomato Paste & Liquids: Stir in the tomato paste followed by the chicken broth and heavy cream to create the creamy sauce base.
- Simmer Sauce: Mix well and allow the sauce to simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly, intensifying the flavors.
- Add Cheese & Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt; cook for another 2 minutes so the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss it well to coat every piece evenly with the sausage cream sauce.
- Absorb Flavors: Let the pasta and sauce cook together for 1–2 minutes so the pasta can soak up the delicious flavors.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese over the top for a fresh and cheesy finish.
- Serve: Serve the creamy sausage pasta warm and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option instead of pork or beef sausage.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preference for spice.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer until desired consistency is reached.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best for flavor and melting.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
