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Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is a family-favorite Italian pasta meal! This simple pasta meal is made with savory sausage and a lovely, creamy parmesan sauce, and it takes only 20 minutes to prepare.
With back-to-school season underway and busy nights ahead, I’m looking for fresh, quick, and easy meal ideas. I enjoy Italian sausage because it is savory and excellent, and I can use it to quickly prepare a great dinner. There’s nothing better than having a restaurant-quality pasta dinner on your table in 20 minutes! Plus, everyone in my house enjoys a delicious, creamy pasta meal any night of the week!
Why you’ll love it
Italian sausage and pasta are a fantastic combination. This spaghetti recipe is great for folks who enjoy sausage and carbohydrates (like me). This dish features spicy Italian sausage, tomatoes, garlic, cream, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.
The sauce is creamy, but not too creamy, if you see what I mean. It’s primarily tomato-based. I’m not a big spice fan, but I truly loved this meal. It’s got enough zing. And it’s ready in 30 minutes!
What you’ll need
1.Italian Sausages:
Depending on your preferences, you can choose between mild and spicy Italian sausage.
Choose high-quality sausage for the finest taste.
You’ll need roughly a pound, which is normally available in bulk or links.
2.Pasta :
Choose your preferred pasta shape: penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni.
Aim for around one pound of pasta, which is a common packet amount.
Use durum wheat pasta for a firm texture that works nicely with the sauce.
3.Crushed tomatoes:
Canned crushed tomatoes are convenient and provide constant flavor.
Look for a 28-ounce (or equivalent) can that has enough sauce for the dish.
For additional taste control, choose tomatoes without any extra seasonings.
4.Garlic:
Fresh garlic cloves add a fragrant taste to the meal.
To ensure uniform dispersion throughout the sauce, you’ll need roughly 4 finely chopped cloves.
Adjust the amount to your taste; more garlic will provide a stronger flavor.
5.Onion:
Select a medium-size onion, ideally yellow or white.
Finely chop the onion to ensure that it cooks evenly and blends well with the sauce.
The onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the sauce.
6. dried oregano and basil:
The dried herbs provide depth and richness to the sauce.
Use roughly 1 teaspoon of each, but you may modify according to your taste.
If you’re using fresh herbs, use twice as much oregano and basil.
7. Salt & Pepper:
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Salt accentuates the tastes of the other components, while pepper provides a mild kick.
8.Olive Oil:
Extra virgin olive oil is popular due to its rich taste.
Use approximately 2 tablespoons, split between frying the sausage and sautéing the onion and garlic.
Olive oil provides richness and helps to spread flavors throughout the meal.
9.Parmesan Cheese:
Grated Parmesan cheese is the ideal finishing touch.
Serve it on top of spaghetti for a salty, nutty flavour.
For optimal flavor and texture, use freshly grated Parmesan.
10. Fresh basil leaves (Optional)
Tear fresh basil leaves and add them as a garnish.
Basil adds color and freshness to the meal.
Although optional, it improves the overall appearance and flavor.
11.Chicken broth
the base of the sauce, or use a dry white wine for a fancy touch
How to make Italian sausage pasta
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Cook the pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, cook the sausage in a pan and transfer it to a platter. Drain the majority of the extra fat. First, add the garlic and chicken stock to the pan, followed by the flour. Whisk until combined, then scrape away the browned pieces.
Allow it to decrease for a few minutes. Add the canned tomatoes and milk, then return the sausage meat. Cook until thickened, then season with salt and pepper. Toss in the basil just before serving, followed by the drained pasta. If using, top with parmesan cheese.
Substitutions and variations
I like penne for this one, but you may use another form if you choose.
Want to make this spaghetti spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes. If you don’t want it hot, use mild Italian sausages.
I don’t advocate replacing the cream with anything lower in fat. The sauce may curdle and may not taste as desired.
Leftovers and storage
Keep leftover sausage spaghetti in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat gradually in a saucepan over low heat.
You could freeze this one, but bear in mind that the pasta’s texture may alter.
ITALIAN SAUSAGE PASTA
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy, depending on your preference
- 1 pound pasta penne, spaghetti, or any shape you like
- 1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Italian Sausage:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the skillet.
- Cook the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the sausage, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Combine Everything:
- Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Divide the Italian sausage pasta among plates or bowls.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves.
- Serve hot and enjoy the rich flavors of this authentic Italian dish!
