Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

Creamy Italian sausage pasta is the ultimate comfort food dinner that always brings everyone to the table quickly The combination of savory sausage silky sauce and perfectly cooked pasta makes every bite irresistible This dish comes together fast and is loaded with cheese and herbs so it feels special without any fuss

I made this for my husband’s birthday dinner and now he requests it every time he wants a cozy evening at home Watching everyone dive in before I’m even at the table always makes me laugh

Ingredients

• Pasta: like penne or fusilli You want pasta with grooves to catch the sauce Choose a sturdy brand for best results
• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin for deep flavor
• Ground Italian sausage: Mild or spicy depending on your preference Choose freshly ground if you can for juiciness
• Yellow onion, diced: Adds sweet savoriness Look for firm onions with papery skins
• Garlic, minced: Essential for the foundation of flavor Buy firm cloves with no green shoots
• Tomato paste: Delivers rich umami Try to find one in a tube for easy measuring
• Chicken broth: Balances the richness Use low sodium to control salt levels
• Canned diced tomatoes: Unites sauce with chunky texture San Marzano or fire roasted can boost flavor
• Dried oregano: Helps layer the classic Italian herb taste Go for a fresh smelling jar
• Dried basil: Lifts the dish with sweet peppery notes Rub between your fingers for extra aroma
• Dried parsley: Adds an earthy punch Look for bright green flakes
• Salt and pepper: A must for balance Use fresh cracked black pepper if possible
• Half and half or heavy cream: For that luxurious creamy touch Heavy cream gives richer texture
• Parmesan cheese, grated: Salty nutty kick Always grate yourself if possible for ultimate melt
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Gives you gooey stretchy pulls Use a moisture rich block for best melt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of well salted water to a rolling boil Add the pasta and cook until just al dente according to package directions Scoop out about one quarter cup of pasta water Set pasta aside after draining

Brown the Sausage:

While the pasta bubbles away heat olive oil in a big deep skillet over medium Add the ground Italian sausage breaking it up with a spoon Let it brown fully and cook until no pink remains Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and put it on a plate

Sauté Onion and Garlic:

Toss the diced onion into the skillet with the sausage drippings Cook gently for around five minutes until soft and translucent Add minced garlic and tomato paste Stir and let cook for one to two minutes until the mixture is jammy and aromatic

Deglaze and Simmer Sauce:

Pour chicken broth directly into the skillet Using a wooden spoon scrape the bottom to loosen the browned flavor bits Let the liquid reduce for three to five minutes Stir in the canned tomatoes with juice plus oregano basil parsley salt and pepper Let everything simmer together for five to seven minutes until sauce thickens

Add Cream and Adjust Consistency:

Stir in the half and half or heavy cream Let it bubble very gently for two to three minutes Splash in a little reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce is velvety and clings to a spoon

Finish with Sausage and Cheese:

Return the browned sausage to the skillet along with cooked pasta Use tongs to toss everything well so every piece gets drenched in sauce Fold in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese letting the mixture melt into a gooey silky finish

Serve:

Plate immediately with hot bread and salad Dig in while the cheese is still stretchy

Pin

Parmesan is always my favorite for its sharp salty flavor I remember my dad slipping extra cheese into his bowl every single time and getting caught by my mom who would laugh and do the same It is those silly table moments that make this dish feel like home

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days To reheat add a splash of milk or broth before microwaving or warming on the stove to bring back creaminess If you are planning make ahead keep the cheeses separate until ready to serve so the sauce does not dry out

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have Italian sausage use ground turkey or chicken with extra herbs and a pinch of fennel seed for similar flavor You can swap half and half for all heavy cream for richer sauce or even evaporated milk in a pinch Gluten free pasta works just as well if cooked slightly under to avoid mushiness

Serving suggestions

Pair this creamy pasta with garlicky green beans or a bright Caesar salad for a balancing fresh contrast Crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the sauce and if you want a bigger spread add simple roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell pepper

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Cultural historical context

This type of creamy tomato sausage pasta is inspired by classic Italian American cooking that mixes the Italian love for robust tomato sauces with the American tradition of hearty one pan dinners The layering of cheese and meat over quick cooked pasta is what made it popular at weeknight family meals all over

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, penne or fusilli work well, but most short pasta like rigatoni or rotini will absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.

→ How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered a few minutes longer or add extra cheese to achieve the desired consistency.

→ What type of sausage works best?

Use mild or spicy Italian sausage according to your preference; both blend well with creamy, herbed sauces.

→ Can I substitute half and half for heavy cream?

Yes, either half and half or heavy cream will give a rich texture, so feel free to use what you have on hand.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.