Creamy Sausage Pasta Dish (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
8 oz penne, rigatoni, or fusilli pasta
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
03 -
1 lb Italian sausage, mild or spicy, casings removed
04 -
1 small onion, finely chopped
05 -
3 garlic cloves, minced
06 -
½ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
07 -
½ cup chicken broth
08 -
1 cup heavy cream
09 -
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
11 -
Salt, to taste
12 -
Black pepper, to taste
13 -
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan
# Instructions:
01 -
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 -
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5–7 minutes.
03 -
Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and chili flakes, and cook for another minute.
04 -
Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
05 -
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
06 -
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
07 -
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and cook for 1–2 more minutes to heat everything through. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or extra cheese.
# Notes:
01 -
Want it lighter? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
02 -
You can use chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage too.
03 -
Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.