Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Fettuccine is a rich and flavorful pasta dish combining tender fettuccine with savory Italian sausage in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it features aromatic garlic, sautéed onions, and a hint of Italian seasoning, all brought together in a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
Meat and Oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Set the drained pasta aside.
- Cook Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, combining well.
- Melt Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, adjust the consistency by adding some reserved pasta water.
- Season Sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if you desire a spicy kick.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently add the drained fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sausage sauce. Adjust sauce thickness again with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Serve: Using tongs, twirl the fettuccine onto plates or bowls, ensuring each serving has plenty of sauce and sausage.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Adding red pepper flakes provides a nice optional heat.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
- Make sure to cook pasta al dente to maintain texture when tossed with sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
