Creamy Sausage Pasta
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Sausage Pasta recipe, a hearty dish brimming with bold flavors and rich textures. Perfectly al dente pasta is coated in a luxurious, homemade cream sauce infused with the savory depth of Italian sausage, garlic, and fragrant onions. A hint of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while freshly chopped spinach and Parmesan cheese balance the richness with a touch of freshness. Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-pan wonder is ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Garnish with parsley for a pop of color and serve with extra Parmesan for a truly irresistible meal. Keywords: creamy sausage pasta, easy dinner recipe, Italian comfort food, pasta with sausage, quick family meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Pasta (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 3 units Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 unit Yellow onion, finely diced
- 0.25 teaspoons Crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 0.75 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups Fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- (to taste) Salt
- (to taste) Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat in the skillet, discarding any excess.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits (fond). Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet, followed by the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and well incorporated.
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until wilted. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sausage sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve the creamy sausage pasta immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3199 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 237.2 g | 304% | |
| Saturated Fat | 102.4 g | 512% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 620 mg | 207% | |
| Sodium | 7879 mg | 343% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 114.8 g | 42% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.0 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.2 g | ||
| Protein | 125.3 g | 251% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1007 mg | 77% | |
| Iron | 14.0 mg | 78% | |
| Potassium | 2378 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
