Looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal? Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is your answer! This dish is rich, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. With tender penne pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a creamy sauce, it’s a perfect choice for busy nights. Join me as I share step-by-step instructions, tips, and tasty variations to make this dish your own. Let’s dive into this creamy delight!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food: This creamy pasta dish combines the heartiness of Italian sausage with the comforting texture of penne pasta, making it perfect for any cozy night in.
- Quick and Easy: With a total cooking time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of garlic, onions, spinach, and tomatoes adds depth and freshness, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
- Customizable: This recipe allows for easy modifications; you can swap out the sausage for a vegetarian option or add your favorite vegetables to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Aromatics and Toppings
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Sauces and Seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
When making creamy Italian sausage pasta, start with the main ingredients. Penne pasta is my top choice. It holds the sauce well. I use one pound of Italian sausage for great flavor. Removing the casings lets it brown nicely. A little olive oil helps too.
Next, I add aromatics and toppings. Onions bring sweetness when cooked. I chop one small onion finely. Garlic adds a punch. Three cloves, minced, give it a nice kick. I always finish with fresh basil for a pop of color and taste.
For the sauce, heavy cream is key. It makes the dish rich. I mix in one cup of chicken broth for depth. Italian seasoning ties all the flavors together. It’s a simple yet tasty mix. Red pepper flakes are optional if you like heat. Salt and pepper are a must to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. The salt helps flavor the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add 12 ounces of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Browning the Sausage
Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of Italian sausage removed from its casings. Break the sausage apart with a spatula. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked. This step adds great flavor to your dish.
Sautéing Aromatics
Now, add a small onion, finely chopped, and 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Stir them into the sausage. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. The onion should become translucent and fragrant. This step builds a strong flavor base for your pasta.
Adding Liquids
Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir them well to mix. Next, add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. If you like spice, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This mixture creates a rich and creamy sauce.
Incorporating Vegetables
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Now add 1 cup of chopped spinach and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. The tomatoes will soften and add a nice pop of color.
Combining Pasta
Finally, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Make sure each piece of pasta is covered. This step ensures every bite is creamy and delicious.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Sauce
To make your sauce creamy, always use heavy cream. It adds richness and smoothness. You can also mix in some cream cheese for extra creaminess. For flavor, add garlic and onion early. They create a tasty base. A splash of white wine can brighten the sauce too. If you want more depth, sprinkle in some fresh herbs like thyme or oregano.
Choosing Sausage
When picking Italian sausage, I recommend sweet or spicy. Sweet sausage is mild and great for kids. Spicy sausage gives a nice kick for adults. If you can’t find Italian sausage, try turkey or chicken sausage. These options are lighter but still tasty. For a vegetarian twist, use plant-based sausage.
Cooking Variations
To spice things up, you can add more red pepper flakes. Start with a little and taste as you go. You might also add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies. They add flavor and texture. Adding shrimp or chicken can turn this dish into a protein-rich meal. Just make sure to cook them before mixing in the pasta.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and tomatoes enhance the flavor and texture of the dish, making it more vibrant and delicious.
- Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter option, substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a splash of milk while still achieving creaminess.
- Customize Heat Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference; for a milder dish, omit them altogether.
- Perfect Pasta Timing: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy.
Variations
Vegetarian Option
You can make this dish vegetarian by using plant-based sausage. Look for brands that mimic the taste of Italian sausage. Cook the plant-based sausage just like you would the regular kind. The cooking time may vary. Start with about 5 minutes and check for doneness.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
If you need a gluten-free meal, swap regular penne with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options. Make sure to check the cooking time. Gluten-free pasta often cooks faster. Also, read labels for sauces and seasonings to avoid hidden gluten.
Extra Savory Add-Ins
To make your pasta even more tasty, add mushrooms or bell peppers. Sauté them with the onion and garlic. This gives extra flavor and texture. You can also mix in cream cheese or mascarpone cheese for more creaminess. Top with a sprinkle of mozzarella for a cheesy finish.
Storage Information
Leftover Storage
To keep your creamy Italian sausage pasta fresh, follow these steps:
- Refrigeration: Place leftovers in the fridge right after cooling.
- Containers: Use airtight containers to prevent drying out. Glass or plastic works well.
Reheating Guidelines
Reheat your pasta to enjoy it just like before:
- Methods: Use the microwave or stovetop. Both are quick and easy.
- Tips for Creaminess: Add a splash of cream or broth while reheating. This keeps it rich and smooth.
Freezing the Dish
If you want to freeze your pasta, here are some tips:
- Freezing Tips: Cool it completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe containers.
- Duration: It lasts up to three months in the freezer.
- Thawing and Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on low heat to maintain the sauce texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can! Here are some great options:
- Fusilli: Twisted shape that holds sauce well.
- Farfalle: Bow-tie shape adds fun to your dish.
- Rigatoni: Large tubes that catch every bite of sauce.
- Spaghetti: Classic choice, but keep in mind it may not hold sauce as well.
Feel free to use what you have on hand!
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, try these tips:
- Add more red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon, then taste.
- Mix in some diced jalapeños or banana peppers.
- Use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
- Drizzle with hot sauce before serving for extra kick.
These changes will bring great flavor!
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time.
- Cook the pasta and store it in the fridge.
- Brown the sausage and veggies in advance, then freeze.
- Mix the sauce and store it separately.
When ready to eat, combine everything and heat.
This makes weeknight meals easy!
What can I serve with Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta?
Here are some great side dishes:
- Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up sauce.
- Caesar salad: Crunchy and fresh to balance the dish.
- Roasted vegetables: Simple and healthy side option.
Pair with a light salad or warm bread for a complete meal!
This blog post covered how to make Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta. We looked at essential ingredients like penne pasta, Italian sausage, and heavy cream. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking, from boiling pasta to combining flavors. You can try tips for spice variations or gluten-free options.
In the end, this dish is versatile and delicious. Enjoy your cooking adventure
Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh basil
- for serving grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Then, add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes, stirring until the spinach is wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Plate the pasta into bowls, then garnish with fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
