Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Sausage Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish packed with savory sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this easy one-pot meal delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Its creamy texture and satisfying taste make it a crowd-pleaser for the whole family.

ingredients

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

pasta (penne or rigatoni)Italian sausages (casings removed)heavy creamchicken brothparmesan cheesegarliconionolive oilcrushed red pepper flakes (optional)spinach or peas (optional)add salt and pepper to taste

directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened.

Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.

Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Reduce the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.

Stir in parmesan cheese and spinach or peas, if using, and cook until the greens are wilted.

Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes as desired.

Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.

Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor.

Substitute half-and-half for a lighter cream sauce.

Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

Make it spicy with a bit more crushed red pepper or spicy sausage.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, just slice it and brown it slightly for extra flavor before adding the liquids.

What pasta shape works best?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli is ideal to catch the creamy sauce.

Can I freeze Creamy Sausage Pasta?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Reheat with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it up to 2 days in advance and reheat before serving.

Is this dish spicy?

It can be, especially if you add crushed red pepper or use spicy sausage, but you can easily control the heat.

What kind of sausage should I use?

Mild or spicy Italian sausage works best for flavor.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, spinach, peas, broccoli, or bell peppers are all great additions.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer a bit longer, or add extra parmesan cheese to thicken it.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.

Should I remove the sausage casing?

Yes, removing the casing allows the sausage to crumble and blend into the sauce better.

Conclusion

Creamy Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors and creamy textures into one easy, delicious meal. Perfect for quick dinners, meal prepping, or entertaining guests, it’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!