Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Whenever I’m looking for a comforting dinner that satisfies everyone, this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta always makes it to the table. The rich and savory flavors of the Italian sausage blend perfectly with a creamy tomato-based sauce, creating a hearty dish that everyone loves. This recipe is simple to prepare, yet it has a depth of flavor that feels like a restaurant-quality meal. It’s one of those dishes that both my kids and my husband always ask for again the next week. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be served with garlic bread or a crisp salad to balance out the richness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining guests, this creamy pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup half and half or heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Be sure to reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Cook the Sausage:

2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook the sausage until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate. Set it aside.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. The tomato paste will deepen in flavor as it cooks, making the sauce richer.

Deglaze the Pan:

4. Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits that may have stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This will add extra flavor to the sauce. Let the broth simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.

Make the Sauce:

5. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet, along with the dried oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.

Add Cream:

6. Stir in the half and half (or heavy cream, if preferred) and let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Combine:

7. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.

Add Cheese:

8. Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing them to melt and integrate into the sauce, making it creamy and cheesy.

Serve:

9. Serve the creamy Italian sausage pasta immediately. If desired, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy with garlic bread or a simple green salad!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (about 1 1/2 cups)
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

How to Serve

• Main Course: Serve the creamy Italian sausage pasta as a hearty main dish.
• With Garlic Bread: The creamy pasta pairs perfectly with a crispy slice of garlic bread for soaking up any leftover sauce.
• With a Salad: Serve with a light green salad tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted veggies, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli, to your meal for extra fiber and a burst of color.

Additional Tips

1. Use Quality Sausage: The flavor of the sausage is key in this dish, so opt for high-quality Italian sausage. If you like things spicy, try using hot Italian sausage for an extra kick.
2. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of half and half. You can also adjust the amount of cream to suit your taste.
3. Add Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs are great, fresh basil and parsley can really elevate the dish. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before serving.
4. Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, simply swap the pasta for gluten-free penne or fusilli.
5. Save the Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta. It’s perfect for thinning out the sauce and making it extra creamy.

Recipe Variations

• Add Veggies: For a more balanced meal, you can add vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce. Sauté the vegetables with the onion and garlic for added flavor.
• Use Different Meats: While Italian sausage is the star of this dish, you can experiment with ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
• Spicy Version: To add heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage. You could also add a diced fresh chili when cooking the onion and garlic.
• Cheese Variations: For a different cheese flavor, swap out mozzarella for provolone or gouda. Adding a dollop of ricotta on top before serving can also provide a creamy finish.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a Bottle of Wine: A glass of light red wine, such as a Chianti or Pinot Noir, pairs wonderfully with this creamy pasta dish.
• Side of Garlic Bread: A crusty piece of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad: Serve with a fresh salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This creamy pasta dish freezes very well. After cooking, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit of extra cream or broth to bring it back to life.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creaminess.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, rigatoni, or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

2. Can I make this dish without sausage?
Yes! You can substitute the sausage with ground chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian option like lentils or mushrooms for a meatless version.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook everything up to the point of combining the pasta and sauce, then store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and add the cheeses just before serving.

4. How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage. You can also stir in some diced fresh chili peppers.

5. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?
Yes! You can use fresh tomatoes, but you may need to cook them longer to break down and create a saucy consistency.

6. Can I use low-fat cream or milk?
You can, but the dish may be slightly less creamy. For the best texture and flavor, I recommend using half and half or heavy cream.

7. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetarian sausage or mushrooms in place of the sausage for a meatless version. Add extra vegetables to make the dish more hearty.

8. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a bit longer to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can stir in a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it

up quickly.

9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! If you need to feed a larger crowd, feel free to double the recipe. Just ensure your skillet is large enough to accommodate everything, or use two skillets.

10. Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use other cheeses such as gouda, cheddar, or even a little ricotta for a creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is a perfect combination of savory, creamy, and cheesy flavors that will quickly become a favorite in your household. It’s simple to make, and you can customize it to suit your family’s preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or serving it up for a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. So grab your skillet, your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious!

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