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Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

Get ready for a pasta dish that's a game-changer! Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta combines smooth, rich sauce with hearty sausage for a meal that's both easy and satisfying. It's comfort food at its best—perfect for busy weeknights or when you just need something delicious and filling.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 794 kcal
Course: Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Italian sausage mild or hot
  • 1 pound pasta such as penne or rotini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup fresh basil chopped for garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through.
  3. Next, add the diced onion, garlic, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the cream to heat up and then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted into the cream, creating a smooth sauce.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Add in some reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through.
  6. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with the chopped fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

  • Pasta Water: Don't forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. It can be used to adjust the sauce consistency.
  • Sausage Options: Both mild and hot Italian sausage work well in this recipe. Choose according to your heat preference.
  • Cream Substitute: If heavy cream is not available, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter as a substitute.
  • Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor, but pre-grated Parmesan can be used in a pinch.
  • Fresh Herbs: While basil is recommended for garnish, parsley also pairs well with the flavors of this dish.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 794kcal (40%) Carbohydrates 61g (20%) Protein 28g (56%) Fat 48g (74%) Saturated Fat 21g (105%) Polyunsaturated Fat 5g Monounsaturated Fat 19g Cholesterol 114mg (38%) Sodium 836mg (35%) Potassium 452mg (13%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 819IU (16%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 264mg (26%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 794

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 794kcal 40%
Carbohydrates 61g 20%
Protein 28g 56%
Fat 48g 74%
Saturated Fat 21g 105%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g 29%
Monounsaturated Fat 19g 95%
Cholesterol 114mg 38%
Sodium 836mg 35%
Potassium 452mg 10%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 819IU 16%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 264mg 26%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.