Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

Sharing is caring!

If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful pasta dish that tastes like it came straight from an Italian restaurant, look no further than this creamy Italian sausage pasta recipe. This dish combines al dente pasta with a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce packed with Italian sausage, garlic, and herbs. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that the whole family will love!

Italian sausage pasta is one of those comfort foods that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve guests. The balance of savory Italian sausage, fragrant herbs, and gooey melted cheese makes this dish an absolute winner. Plus, it comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a convenient yet luxurious meal.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect creamy Italian sausage pasta, from ingredient selection to step-by-step cooking instructions and expert tips for getting the best flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to please.

Why You Will Love This Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

• Easy to Make: This dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.
• Rich and Creamy Sauce: The combination of tomato paste, diced tomatoes, half and half, and melted cheese creates a luscious, velvety sauce.
• Bold Flavors: The Italian sausage adds deep, savory flavor with a hint of spice, perfectly complemented by garlic and herbs.
• Customizable: Swap out the pasta shape, use spicy or mild sausage, or add extra veggies for a personal touch.
• Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: This pasta is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with robust flavors, making it a dish you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients for Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

Pasta and Sauce Base:

• 12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

Seasonings and Herbs:

• ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¾ teaspoon dried basil
• ¾ teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Creamy and Cheesy Additions:

• ½ cup half and half or heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
3. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water and set it aside.
4. Drain the pasta and set it aside while preparing the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Italian Sausage

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the skillet and transfer it to a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

1. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
2. Let the broth reduce for 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with liquid), oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook the sauce for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Make it Creamy

1. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the half and half.
2. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then add some of the reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency.

Step 6: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix well.
2. Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

1. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.
2. Mix until the cheese melts into the sauce, making it thick, gooey, and creamy.
3. Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve immediately with garlic bread and a side of Caesar salad for a complete meal.
2. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

1. Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

Use hot Italian sausage or add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for extra heat.

2. Veggie-Packed Pasta

Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and texture.

3. Low-Carb Option

Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a keto-friendly alternative.

4. Cheesy Baked Italian Sausage Pasta

Transfer the finished pasta to a baking dish, top with extra mozzarella cheese, and broil for 3-5 minutes until bubbly and golden.

5. Extra Creamy Version

Use heavy cream instead of half and half and increase the cheese for an ultra-rich sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze the sauce separately for up to 3 months and add fresh pasta when ready to serve.
• Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.

Final Thoughts

This creamy Italian sausage pasta is an irresistible, easy-to-make dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 40 minutes. The combination of savory sausage, creamy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese makes this pasta a must-try for any Italian food lover.

Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and let us know what you think!

Print