Quick and Creamy Sausage and Pasta
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this **Quick and Creamy Sausage and Pasta**, a weeknight dinner hero that's ready in just 35 minutes! This rich and satisfying dish combines tender penne pasta with golden-brown Italian sausage, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce for the ultimate one-pan meal. A hint of garlic and optional red pepper flakes adds a burst of flavor, while fresh basil delivers a bright, herbaceous finish. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe requires minimal effort yet feels restaurant-worthy. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a crisp salad to complete this irresistible meal that's sure to become a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces penne or any short pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they begin to soften and release their juices.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Lower the heat to medium and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
798 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.5 g | 74% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.7 g | 124% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 150 mg | 50% | |
| Sodium | 1512 mg | 66% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.0 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 29.6 g | 59% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 166 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 657 mg | 14% | |
*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.
