Creamy Homemade Italian Sausage Pasta
A comforting meal that beautifully combines rich flavors with a creamy texture, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian Sausage Delivers rich flavors and a hint of spice.
- 12 ounces Pasta Such as penne or fettuccine.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Essential for achieving a rich, creamy texture.
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced for aromatic flavors.
- 1 medium Onion Finely chopped for sweetness.
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated for nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Used for sautéing.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning A blend of herbs for authentic taste.
- Salt and Pepper To taste.
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the pasta of your choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes or until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Sauté for about 7-10 minutes or until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through.
- Once the sausage is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the cream to simmer gently, thickening slightly over about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts into the sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that each piece of pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Once thoroughly combined, remove from heat. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.