Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring tender pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce infused with Italian sausage, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe brings together classic Italian-American flavors. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, while optional red pepper flakes give a subtle heat. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this hearty meal serves four and is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
Liquids and Dairy
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the rest.
- Brown Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles, about 5–6 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute to release their aromas.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to enhance the flavor.
- Create Cream Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Wilt Spinach (Optional): If using spinach, stir it in and cook just until wilted to keep it vibrant and fresh.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve the pasta immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
