Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe

If you are searching for a comforting and indulgent weeknight dinner, this Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines hearty Italian sausage with tender pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, velvety cream sauce enriched with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh veggies. The vibrant combination of cherry tomatoes and spinach adds pops of color and nutrients, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether you prefer mild or spicy sausage, this dish never fails to deliver satisfying flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity yet incredible flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the perfectly cooked pasta providing gratifying texture, to the sausage giving a savory depth, and the creamy sauce tying everything together with richness and warmth.

• 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine): These shapes hold onto the sauce wonderfully, offering a great bite in every forkful.
• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy): Choose your favorite to customize the heat and aroma to your liking.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the sausage evenly without sticking.
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a gentle crunch when sautéed.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers aromatic depth and a hint of pungency that wakes up the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Grants the dish a rich, silky texture that coats every bite gloriously.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Adds a subtle savory base and helps loosen the sauce perfectly.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts seamlessly to enhance creaminess and add a salty, nutty flavor.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Introduce bursts of freshness and juicy sweetness.
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves: Brings vivid color and a mild earthiness that balances the richness.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors in harmony.
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Brightens the presentation and adds a herbaceous finish.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. It’s important not to overcook here because the pasta will continue to absorb sauce later. Don’t forget to save half a cup of the pasta water — this little trick will help adjust the sauce’s consistency at the end.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until it is nicely browned and fully cooked through. This browning step adds a rich, caramelized flavor that forms the backbone of the dish. Remove the cooked sausage and set it aside for later.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, toss in your finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. This gentle cooking releases the onion’s natural sweetness. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, ensuring your sauce will have a robust, savory aroma.

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the skillet bottom. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly and develop a smooth, rich base for your sauce.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Veggies

Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and velvety with the cheese fully melted. Then fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves; the tomatoes will burst with subtle sweetness, while the spinach wilts delicately, adding freshness and a pop of vibrant green.

Step 6: Combine Sausage and Pasta

Return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir to combine every flavor-packed element. Add your cooked pasta last, tossing everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, pour in reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your perfect creamy consistency. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste and prepare yourself for a seriously delicious meal.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is the go-to garnish, sprinkling it on last adds a touch of herbaceous brightness and a lovely burst of color. For an extra punch, consider some red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat or a dusting of additional Parmesan to elevate the creaminess.

Side Dishes

Pair this indulgent creamy sausage pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices also work beautifully to scoop up any leftover sauce and make the meal feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish shines in a rustic, cast-iron skillet straight to the table, showcasing its sizzling glory. For a dinner party, serve it in individual pasta bowls topped with extra fresh herbs. Using colorful pasta shapes can add a fun twist especially when you want to wow your guests visually.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta might absorb some of the sauce overnight, so give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

Creamy pasta dishes can be tricky to freeze because dairy tends to separate, but if you want to freeze, use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to minimize texture changes.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta slowly on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the silky sauce texture. Microwaving works too but stirring every 30 seconds helps rewarm evenly without drying out the dish.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sausage for this Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with sweet, spicy, or even turkey sausage depending on your preference. Each type will bring a slightly different flavor profile, but the creamy sauce will always complement it well.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, just swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The sauce and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish easy to adapt.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage or skip the sausage altogether and add extra mushrooms or roasted vegetables to create that hearty, meaty feeling.

What’s the best type of pasta to use?

Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work wonderfully because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly. However, the recipe is very flexible, so use what you have on hand!

How spicy is this dish?

The heat depends entirely on the type of sausage you select. Sweet Italian sausage will create a mild, comforting dish, while spicy sausage will add a wonderful kick. You can always add red pepper flakes if you want it hotter.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about a bowl full of creamy, savory goodness that brings friends and family together. This Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe is a timeless favorite that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. I truly hope you give it a whirl and experience the same joy I do every time I dig into this delicious dish!

Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This creamy sausage pasta is a quick and comforting dish combining savory Italian sausage with a rich, cheesy cream sauce, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes over perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

pasta

• 12 oz pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)

Sausage and cooking fat

• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, as preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables and aromatics

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves

Sauce ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
2. Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the onion: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent and softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic with the onions and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Deglaze with broth: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate more flavor into the sauce.
6. Simmer with cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken.
7. Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan until the sauce becomes smooth and the cheese is fully melted.
8. Add vegetables: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves. Cook until the spinach wilts slightly, about 1 to 2 minutes.
9. Combine sausage and sauce: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
10. Toss with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
11. Season: Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
12. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving for a burst of fresh flavor and color.

Notes

• Use sweet or spicy Italian sausage depending on your desired heat level.
• Reserve pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Gluten-free pasta can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian