If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances hearty, savory flavors with a luxuriously smooth texture, this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender penne pasta coated in a rich, velvety sauce made from mild or spicy Italian sausage, fragrant herbs, and a luscious blend of cream and Parmesan. Every bite delivers a comforting hug of Italian-inspired goodness that’s easy to whip up any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this dish never fails to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together in this recipe to create layers of flavor and the perfect texture. Each component plays a unique role, whether it’s the seasoning, the creamy base, or the vibrant greens that brighten the dish.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: Ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds depth and richness while sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed: The star protein providing bold flavor and a satisfying bite.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Brings subtle sweetness and aroma to balance the sausage.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that classic Italian flavor punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds earthy warmth that complements the sausage.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Offers a fragrant, herbaceous note for authenticity.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Use for a gentle kick of heat or omit if you prefer mild flavors.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Helps create a flavorful, slightly tangy sauce base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This makes the sauce silky and indulgent.
- 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes: Adds brightness and a touch of acidity to balance the creaminess.
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, enhancing it with nutty richness.
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped: Offers a fresh pop of color and a healthy boost.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste): To heighten all the savory flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For subtle warmth and seasoning.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until it’s perfectly al dente, which means tender but still with a slight bite. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining—this starchy liquid will be a secret weapon to loosen the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spoon or spatula. Browning it evenly takes about 6 to 8 minutes and is crucial for developing the rich, savory flavor that is the foundation of this dish.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Aromatics
Once the sausage is nicely cooked, toss in the diced onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook these just 30 seconds to release their fragrance without burning the garlic—it’s all about layering flavors.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine all the lovely bits in the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low before adding the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and meld the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Add Greens
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the creamy sauce. Then fold in the chopped baby spinach, cooking just until it wilts and brightens the whole dish. This step adds freshness and a lovely contrast to the richness.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every piece with that heavenly sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of your reserved pasta water to perfect the consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking, then serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To take your presentation up a notch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top. A little extra grated Parmesan never hurts and adds a tasty finishing touch that melts delightfully into the warm pasta.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty artisan loaf is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce, making every bite memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in deep bowls for a cozy, rustic feel, or plate it elegantly by twirling the penne into neat nests before ladling on the sauce. For a fun twist, try baking the combined pasta in a casserole dish topped with breadcrumb and mozzarella for a bubbly, golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Freezing
You can freeze the Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe, but to maintain the best texture, freeze it separately from any added greens. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers and enjoy within 2 months for optimum flavor and texture.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy sauce and keep it from drying out. Stir frequently so the sauce stays smooth and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle work beautifully as well to capture the creamy goodness.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils to achieve a similar savory, hearty flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta to keep this dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing taste or texture.
How spicy is the dish if I include crushed red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a mild kick; you can adjust the amount or omit them altogether to tailor the heat level to your preference.
What’s the best way to cook the sausage if it’s not pre-cooked?
Remove the casings and break up the sausage into small pieces as you brown it over medium heat. Ensure it’s cooked through and nicely browned for maximum flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is like inviting comfort and deliciousness right into your kitchen. It’s straightforward yet full of character, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends. Give it a go and enjoy the satisfying flavors that only Italian sausage and a creamy sauce can deliver—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
Print
Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Friendly
Description
This creamy Italian sausage pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a rich and velvety sauce made with Italian sausage, garlic, herbs, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, it’s finished with fresh baby spinach for a touch of color and nutrition. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty meal combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying Italian-inspired treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
- Brown the sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Melt the cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
- Incorporate spinach: Fold in the chopped baby spinach and cook until the spinach is wilted and tender.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sausage sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Season and serve: Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious creamy Italian sausage pasta.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk or broth.
