Get ready to meet your new weeknight wonder: the Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe. This dish brings together perfectly cooked pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a rich, velvety cream sauce, all brightened up with fresh spinach and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s the sort of meal that makes you stop mid-bite to remark, “Wow, this is good!” Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or planning a cozy dinner for two, this pasta delivers pure comfort and amazing flavor in every creamy forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe thrives on simple, high-quality ingredients that each bring something special. From the zesty sausage to the luscious cream, every element helps build layers of flavor and beautiful textures, culminating in pasta perfection.
- Pasta (12 oz, penne or rigatoni): Pick a sturdy, tube-shaped noodle to catch every bit of that dreamy sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A splash helps brown the sausage and adds that first subtle layer of Mediterranean flavor.
- Italian sausage (1 lb, casings removed): The real flavor powerhouse—go mild, spicy, or mix both for deeper complexity.
- Yellow onion (1 small, finely chopped): Gives a sweet, fragrant base you’ll notice in every bite.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A must for that irresistible Italian aroma and warmth.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Turn up the heat or skip entirely to keep things mild—it’s your call!
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The cornerstone of the creamy sauce, making it rich and lush.
- Chicken broth (½ cup): Balances the richness and brings out savory, umami depth.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Melts into the sauce, giving it an addictive salty-nutty finish.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Blends basil, oregano, and other herbs for that classic Italian vibe.
- Baby spinach (2 cups): Adds freshness, color, and a healthy boost—plus it wilts down beautifully into the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for perfect seasoning—taste as you go!
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): A final sprinkle for vibrant color and a touch of herbal freshness.
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. Drop in your pasta and cook it until just al dente—the perfect texture for absorbing all that scrumptious sauce later. Reserve about half a cup of the starchy cooking water, then drain the rest. This little step is a game-changer for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later!
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a big skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Crumble the Italian sausage into the pan and sauté, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. In about six to eight minutes, it should be beautifully browned and cooked through, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Step 3: Start the Sauce Base
Add the finely chopped onion right into the sausage, letting it cook until softened and fragrant—about three minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and those optional red pepper flakes; let them sizzle for about 30 seconds to unlock their full flavor, making sure nothing burns.
Step 4: Bring on the Cream and Broth
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, giving everything a good stir to combine. The sauce will quickly start to come together, with little flecks of sausage and onion floating in that decadent mixture. It’s already looking irresistible!
Step 5: Cheese and Seasoning Magic
Drop in the grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for three to five minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and smells absolutely heavenly.
Step 6: Wilt the Spinach
Add the baby spinach, a handful at a time, and stir it in. It will wilt beautifully into the sauce, adding fresh green pops of color and a subtle earthiness. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now the best part: Add your cooked pasta straight into the skillet and toss everything together until every noodle is coated. If the sauce seems too thick, pour in just a splash of the reserved pasta water until you have the perfect, silky consistency.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Spoon the Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe into bowls, top with chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan. That final flourish adds color and a fresh finish. Dig in while it’s steaming and watch those smiles appear!
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Always go big on the garnishes! A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley makes your dish pop, while extra Parmesan on top melts slightly into the warm sauce for that classic Italian touch. For a little zing, add a pinch of cracked black pepper or even some lemon zest if you’re feeling bold.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. If you’re really treating yourself, warm crusty bread or homemade garlic knots are perfect for mopping up every drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Make it a feast for the eyes by serving the pasta in shallow bowls, swirling the noodles into a nest, and crowning each bowl with that gorgeous sausage and spinach. If you’re serving a crowd or bringing it to a potluck, transfer everything to a big platter and garnish liberally—everyone loves to dig in family-style!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe to an airtight container once cooled. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors might even deepen a bit overnight, making for a fabulous next-day lunch.
Freezing
While creamy sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, this dish does freeze fairly well. Scoop cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly, and store for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of extra cream, broth, or reserved pasta water to bring the sauce back to life. Microwave reheating works, too—just cover and reheat at medium power in thirty-second bursts, stirring between each until evenly warmed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Try sweet or hot Italian sausage depending on your desired flavor, or even substitute with turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer a lighter version. Each brings its own delicious twist to the Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sausage and chicken broth are certified gluten-free. The result is just as comforting and satisfying—nobody will miss the gluten!
How do I make it less rich?
For a lighter version, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit less thick. You can also use less Parmesan or skip the extra grated cheese at the end.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Toss in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or swap the spinach for kale or arugula. This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is easy to customize with whatever you have on hand.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce, stirring gently until everything is heated through. This ensures the pasta stays moist and the flavors stay vibrant.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe, it’s sure to become a new staple in your dinner rotation. It’s easy, speedy, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Go ahead and give it a whirl—you deserve some creamy, savory pasta bliss tonight!
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Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful pasta dish with this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish combines savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce with hints of garlic and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet, cook Italian sausage until browned. Add onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in cream and chicken broth. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
- Finish the Dish: Add spinach, season with salt and pepper. Toss in cooked pasta and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can use spicy or mild sausage depending on your preference.
- Substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a different flavor.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
