If you’re craving a cozy, soul-warming meal that combines comfort, flavor, and a touch of Italian flair, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe. Picture tender pasta coated in a silky, tomato-infused cream sauce, studded with savory sausage and fresh spinach, all brought together with a shower of Parmesan and fragrant basil. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug from the inside out—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress family and friends with something truly special.

Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to this dish’s irresistible flavor is its simple lineup of ingredients, each one chosen for maximum impact. From the richness of heavy cream to the brightness of diced tomatoes and fresh basil, every addition plays a part in building layers of taste and texture.

Italian sausage (1 pound): The star of the show—choose mild or hot, depending on your spice preference, for hearty, savory depth.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky base for sautéing and infuses the sauce with Mediterranean flair.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Brings a gentle sweetness that balances the richness of the sausage and cream.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A must-have for that classic Italian aroma and flavor punch.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a spicy kick that wakes up the entire dish.
Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz): A juicy, tangy element that brightens up the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream (1 cup): The key to that luscious, velvety texture—feel free to use half-and-half for a lighter version.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that infuse the dish with classic Italian flavors.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and amplifying every other flavor.
Penne pasta (12 ounces): Perfect for holding onto that creamy sauce, though any short pasta works beautifully.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
Fresh spinach (2 cups): Wilts into the sauce for a pop of color and a boost of nutrition.
Fresh basil (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): A fragrant garnish that makes the dish feel extra special.

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. Add your penne (or favorite pasta shape) and cook it according to package directions until just al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of that precious pasta water before draining—the starchiness will help bring your sauce together later. Set the cooked pasta aside while you prepare the amazing sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into bite-sized crumbles as it cooks. Let it brown and sizzle for about 6 to 7 minutes, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. The sausage should be nicely caramelized, which means extra flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Once the sausage is browned, toss in the diced onion and sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and, if you like a little heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for just one minute—just long enough to let the garlic become fragrant but not burn.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir to combine, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld into one glorious, creamy concoction.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach right into the skillet. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and the pasta is luxuriously coated in sauce. If the sauce feels a bit thick, splash in some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you have the perfect creamy consistency. Finally, season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Dish up your Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe while it’s piping hot. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh basil and an extra dusting of Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. It’s dinner time—enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing elevates this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe quite like a flurry of fresh basil or parsley, a drizzle of good olive oil, and a final shower of freshly grated Parmesan. For the ultimate touch, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for color and a hint of heat right before serving.

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but it absolutely sings alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or a classic Caesar. And don’t forget the garlic bread—perfect for soaking up every last drop of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party-worthy presentation, try serving the pasta in shallow bowls with a swirl of sauce on top and a sprig of basil. Or, spoon it into a large serving platter, letting the colors and textures shine. If you’re packing lunch leftovers, tuck the pasta into a thermos or divided container with a handful of cherry tomatoes and extra greens on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep or easy lunches the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions for later, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It’s best to freeze without the fresh basil garnish, which you can add after reheating. The sauce may thicken slightly upon thawing, but a splash of milk or broth will restore its creaminess.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a drizzle of milk, cream, or broth to help loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Finish with fresh Parmesan and basil to bring back that just-made flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course, Pasta

Absolutely! While penne is wonderful for catching the sauce, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just follow the same cooking instructions and enjoy your variation of the Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe.

What’s the best way to make this recipe lighter?

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork. You’ll still get a luscious, flavorful sauce but with fewer calories and less fat.

Is this recipe spicy?

The optional red pepper flakes and choice of hot Italian sausage can add some heat, but you can easily control the spice level. Simply use mild sausage and omit the red pepper for a kid-friendly, gentle flavor profile.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! This recipe is flexible—try stirring in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the onions, or swap spinach for kale for a heartier green. Get creative and make the Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe your own.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

If your sauce thickens up a bit too much, simply add a splash of reserved pasta water, milk, or broth while tossing everything together. This will help achieve that ideal creamy consistency without diluting the flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe enough—it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with big smiles and happy appetites. If you’re looking for a new weeknight staple or a crowd-pleaser that never fails, give this recipe a try and savor every creamy, cozy bite!

Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This creamy Italian sausage pasta recipe combines savory browned sausage, tender penne pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce flavored with garlic, onions, and Italian herbs. Finished with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, it’s a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Vegetables

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Liquids and Seasonings

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste

Pasta and Greens

12 ounces penne pasta (or preferred pasta)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional garnish)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
Brown Sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Make Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), heavy cream, chicken broth, and sprinkle in Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss the mixture until the spinach wilts and the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil if desired.

Notes

You can substitute kale for spinach to add a different texture and flavor.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a refreshing side salad for a complete meal.
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course, Pasta
Method: Stovetop, Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American