If you are searching for a comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious dinner idea, look no further than this Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe. It combines tender penne pasta with rich, savory sausage and a velvety cream sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying and quick, yet impressive enough to share with friends or family. The balance of hearty sausage and luscious cream makes every forkful a warm, indulgent treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, familiar, and each plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in this recipe. With just a handful of essentials, you can create a meal that feels both indulgent and homey.
- 8 oz penne pasta: A sturdy pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce wonderfully well.
- 2 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water, which enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- 1 pound sausage: Choose a good-quality sausage, like Jimmy Dean regular pork, for savory richness and depth.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: This creates the luscious, silky base of the sauce that makes the pasta irresistible.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil with 2 teaspoons of salt. Salted water is key—think of it as the seasoning foundation of your pasta. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente, meaning it’s perfectly tender but still has a slight bite. This texture is important to keep the pasta from becoming mushy once it’s combined with the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add the sausage. Break it up with a spoon or spatula and cook thoroughly until browned and cooked through. This step builds a wonderful depth of flavor as the sausage caramelizes. For extra brightness and a bit of bite, you can sauté some garlic or chopped green peppers along with the sausage—totally optional but highly recommended if you want to add a fresh, aromatic twist.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Before draining your pasta, scoop out and reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water—this keeps your sauce silky and helps bind it to the pasta. Remove the cooked sausage from the pan and set it aside. Deglaze the hot pan by adding the reserved pasta water, scraping up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Lower the heat to medium, then pour in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and develop a creamy consistency that will coat your pasta perfectly.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Drain the pasta quickly and add it straight into the cream sauce. Toss well to ensure every piece of penne is enveloped in that rich sauce. Stir in the cooked sausage, folding everything together for a beautiful blend of flavors and textures. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy—you’ll notice the way the sauce clings softly, creating a mouthwatering experience with every forkful.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top to introduce a subtle, nutty saltiness that elevates the dish. A handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil can bring a fresh, green pop of color and a touch of brightness that balances the richness. For a little bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the sauce. Garlic bread or warm focaccia is also an excellent companion, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add a nutritious crunch to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls for a more elegant, restaurant-style presentation. You can also swirl the pasta into nests on each plate and drizzle with extra cream sauce or a splash of olive oil for added shine. A finishing drizzle of truffle oil or a few sun-dried tomatoes can introduce an unexpected gourmet touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The pasta may absorb some sauce and thicken, but a quick stir with a splash of milk or cream when reheating easily restores its creamy texture. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and freshness.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it a handy meal to save for busy days. Spread the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To prevent the sauce from separating, gently warm it on low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of cream or milk if needed.
Reheating
Reheat your creamy sausage pasta gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with short intervals, stirring in between to ensure it heats evenly. Adding a little cream, milk, or pasta water as it warms will bring back the velvety sauce consistency. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream sauce from curdling or drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne holds the sauce well, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just make sure to adjust cooking times according to the pasta you choose to maintain that perfect al dente texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter or lower in fat?
You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a blend of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce. Just be cautious with heat to prevent curdling. Additionally, opting for leaner sausage varieties reduces fat content without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas make wonderful additions. They add color, texture, and nutrition while complementing the creamy, savory sauce beautifully.
How can I make this recipe spicy?
Incorporate red pepper flakes into the sausage while cooking or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cream sauce for an extra kick. Spicy Italian sausage is also a great option to bring heat naturally.
What type of sausage works best in this recipe?
Classic pork sausage such as Jimmy Dean’s regular variety is ideal for its flavor and fat content, which contributes to the creaminess of the sauce. However, you can experiment with Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even turkey sausage depending on your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this creamy, comforting, and utterly satisfying Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe in your culinary arsenal, I encourage you to give it a try soon. It’s such a joy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor and comfort. Whether for a busy weeknight or an inviting dinner with loved ones, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Print
Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and creamy sausage pasta recipe featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a luscious heavy cream sauce with flavorful cooked sausage, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tsp salt
Sausage and Sauce
- 1 pound Jimmy Dean regular pork sausage
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- Optional: garlic or chopped green peppers for additional flavor
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Add 2 teaspoons of salt to a large pot of boiling water. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Cook the Sausage: In a separate large pan over medium-high heat, cook the sausage thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Optionally, add minced garlic or chopped green peppers to enhance the flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: After removing the cooked sausage from the pan, deglaze the pan with the reserved 1/2 cup of pasta water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce the heat to medium, add the heavy cream, and simmer the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta directly to the cream sauce and stir well to coat all the pasta. Return the cooked sausage to the pan and mix thoroughly to combine. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water before draining to help create a smooth sauce.
- Optional additions like garlic or green peppers can add extra flavor and texture.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta to avoid mushy texture; al dente is best.
- This recipe serves 6, making it great for family meals or leftovers.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though sauce will be less rich.
