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Creamy Sausage Pasta
platehacks

Creamy Sausage Pasta

Creamy Sausage Pasta is a rich and comforting dinner made with tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, this easy pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, and satisfying comfort food cravings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 720
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste
  • fresh parsley, chopped
  • extra Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon
  • colander
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
  3. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.
  4. Mix in the tomato paste and chicken broth. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors blend together.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until smooth. Add Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest sauce. Cook the pasta just until al dente so it holds up in the creamy sauce. Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Mild or spicy Italian sausage both work well. Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.