Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory sausage with a rich, velvety sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet is easy enough for a weeknight dinner. With a balance of creaminess, spice, and hearty flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite for the whole family.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
heavy cream
garlic cloves
onion
Parmesan cheese
olive oil
chicken broth
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.

Remove the sausage and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.

Simmer for a few minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
Try different pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle for fun texture changes.
Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a depth of flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, add a splash of cream or broth and warm on the stovetop over medium heat.
You can also microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Not recommended for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, just slice and brown it slightly in the skillet for extra flavor.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but the pasta may absorb the sauce. Reheat with a bit of extra cream or broth.

Is this dish spicy?
It can be! Use spicy sausage or red pepper flakes for heat, or skip them for a milder version.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Simmer gently and avoid boiling the cream to maintain a smooth texture.

What kind of Parmesan is best?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and adds the most flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

What veggies go well in this dish?
Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas are all great additions.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Short, sturdy shapes like penne or rigatoni work best to hold the sauce.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—it scales well and makes great leftovers.

Conclusion

Creamy Sausage Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner after a long day or a crowd-pleasing meal for guests, this pasta delivers. With bold flavors and a luscious sauce, it’s bound to become a regular on your dinner menu.