When it comes to easy, satisfying dinners, nothing beats a bowl of Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta. Imagine tender pasta coated in a rich, savory sauce packed with seasoned Italian sausage, herbs, and a cheesy, velvety finish. This dish brings bold flavors and creamy goodness together in one irresistible skillet.
If you’re looking to shake up your dinner routine with a recipe that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is the answer. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough to serve when you’re hosting family and friends. Plus, it comes together in under an hour—no complicated techniques or fancy ingredients required.
This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s a game-changer. Here are a few reasons why you need to make this tonight:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Bold Flavors: The seasoned Italian sausage brings a savory, slightly spicy kick, while the creamy sauce balances it with rich, smooth goodness.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or pasta lovers, this dish always hits the mark.
- Versatile: Easily customize it with different types of sausage, vegetables, or pasta.
- Comforting: It’s the ultimate comfort food, packed with cheesy, hearty satisfaction.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian Chicken sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
2. Brown the Chicken Sausage
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground Italian Chicken, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Cook until the sausage is browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate. Leave the rendered fat in the skillet for extra flavor.
3. Saute the Onion and Garlic
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion.
- Cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the broth reduces slightly.
5. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their liquid), oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Make It Creamy
- Lower the heat and pour in the half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Combine Everything
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add the drained pasta and toss until everything is well-coated in the sauce.
8. Add the Cheese
- Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Continue stirring until the cheese melts and creates a rich, cheesy sauce.
9. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides like garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Quality Sausage: The sausage is the star, so pick a high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t skip reserving some pasta water—it helps the sauce cling to the pasta and adds silkiness.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the spice level by choosing mild, sweet, or hot Italian sausage.
- Make It Extra Cheesy: Add more mozzarella for a gooier, richer bite.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil or parsley on hand, add a handful before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
15 Delicious Variations
- Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Mushroom Lovers: Saute mushrooms with the onions for a savory twist.
- Pesto Style: Stir in a tablespoon of basil pesto for extra herby richness.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Swap diced tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy flavor.
- Creamier Sauce: Use all heavy cream for a thicker, richer sauce.
- Bacon Bliss: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky crunch.
- Herb Swap: Use Italian seasoning if you don’t have individual herbs.
- Cheese Explosion: Mix in shredded provolone or fontina cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken alongside the sausage.
- Seafood Twist: Swap sausage for shrimp or crab.
- Tomato-Free: Skip the tomatoes and add more cream for a white sauce.
- One-Pot Wonder: Cook everything in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Whole Wheat: Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
What to Serve with Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Bruschetta
- Caprese salad
- Sauteed spinach
- Antipasto platter
- Italian-style green beans
- Creamy polenta
- Roasted asparagus
- Cheesy breadsticks
- Marinated olives
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Minestrone soup
- Grilled zucchini
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
How Much to Make for Family Gatherings
- For a small gathering (4-6 people), stick to the recipe as written.
- For a crowd (10-12 people), double the recipe.
- For large events (20+ people), triple the recipe and serve it buffet-style.
How Far in Advance Can I Make It?
- 1 Day Ahead: Cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine before serving.
- Freeze Ahead: Make the sauce, freeze it, and add fresh pasta when reheating.
This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is the kind of meal that brings folks together. It’s comforting, packed with flavor, and easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a crowd, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
Savory Italian sausage tossed with tender pasta in a rich, creamy sauce loaded with flavor. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that’s quick, hearty, and irresistible.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage mild, sweet, or spicy
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black 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
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate. Leave the rendered fat in the skillet for extra flavor.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the broth reduces slightly.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their liquid), oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Lower the heat and pour in the half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the drained pasta and toss until everything is well-coated in the sauce.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and creates a rich, cheesy sauce.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides like garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like.
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