Creamy Sausage Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
• Rich & Creamy – A velvety sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
• One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup for a stress-free dinner.
• Customizable – Use different types of sausage or add your favorite vegetables.
• Family-Friendly – A comforting dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
• Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• Olive oil
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Crushed tomatoes
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Chicken broth
• Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta – Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the sausage – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Remove excess grease if needed.
3. Sauté aromatics – Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Make the sauce – Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add the cream & cheese – Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Combine everything – Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
7. Serve – Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
• Lighter Version – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
• Vegetable Boost – Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta.
• Cheesy Upgrade – Mix in mozzarella for an extra gooey sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! Try chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even chorizo.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine hold the sauce well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but the sauce may thicken. Add a little broth when reheating.

How do I make the sauce extra creamy?

Use more heavy cream and add an extra handful of Parmesan.

Is this dish spicy?

It depends on the sausage and red pepper flakes. Adjust to taste.

Can I make this dish without tomatoes?

Yes! Use more cream and broth for a white sauce version.

What can I serve with Creamy Sausage Pasta?

A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

Add a little reserved pasta water or broth to loosen it.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich. You may need a thickener like cornstarch.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of liquid to revive the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Sausage Pasta is a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With its rich, velvety sauce and savory sausage, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Try it today for a comforting and satisfying dinner!

Creamy Sausage Pasta

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Creamy Sausage Pasta is a rich and comforting one-pan meal featuring savory Italian sausage, a velvety tomato-cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights while delivering indulgent, restaurant-quality flavor. Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10min
• Cook Time: 20min
• Total Time: 30min
• Yield: 4servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: One-Pan
• Cuisine: Italian, American

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Sausage – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Remove excess grease if needed.
3️⃣ Sauté Aromatics – Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
4️⃣ Make the Sauce – Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
5️⃣ Add the Cream & Cheese – Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6️⃣ Combine Everything – Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
7️⃣ Serve & Garnish – Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy warm!