Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

This creamy Italian sausage pasta is the comforting kind of dinner I make when I want big flavor and minimal fuss. Savory Italian sausage, melty cheese, and a swirl of cream create a sauce that hugs every bite of al dente pasta. This recipe is one of my most reliable weeknight hits especially on cool evenings when we crave something that feels a little indulgent but comes together fast.

I remember making this for the first time after a busy school day and watching everyone scrape their plates clean. It is now my go to when I want no leftovers and big smiles.

Ingredients

• Penne or fusilli pasta: Provides a sturdy base that holds onto creamy sauce Choose a bronze cut pasta for extra sauce clinging power
• Olive oil: Gives flavor and helps everything brown Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for best results
• Ground Italian sausage: Packs a ton of flavor and perfect spicy savor Look for sausage with visible herbs for fresher taste
• Yellow onion: Sweetness and depth Makes the sauce more complex Pick a firm onion with shiny thin skin
• Garlic: Adds aroma and classic Italian flavor Always select fresh plump cloves for best punch
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato base and delivers umami loveliness Opt for double concentrate if possible
• Chicken broth: Thins the sauce and builds up flavor Go for low sodium if you want more control over seasoning
• Diced tomatoes: Bring freshness and a little texture to the sauce Choose whole tomatoes and dice yourself for top quality
• Dried oregano basil parsley: The classic Italian trio that gives herby notes Look for vibrant green flakes and a fresh aroma
• Salt and pepper: Season to your taste Always use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper when you can
• Half and half or heavy cream: Brings silky creaminess Pick heavy cream for a richer sauce or half and half for lighter finish
• Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty sharp complexity Go for Parmigiano Reggiano and grate it fresh
• Mozzarella cheese: Brings melty gooeyness Whole milk mozzarella melts best and adds extra stretch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of kosher salt Set it to a rolling boil and add your penne or fusilli Cook the pasta until just al dente referring to the package but tasting to be sure Scoop out a quarter cup of cooking water for the sauce and then drain and set the pasta aside

Brown the Sausage:

Warm olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat Add the ground Italian sausage breaking it up as it cooks Keep stirring and cooking until no pink remains and the sausage is nicely browned Spoon out the sausage to a plate using a slotted spoon to leave the flavorful oil behind

Sauté Aromatics:

Into the same skillet add the diced onion Cook over medium heat until it looks soft and translucent about five minutes Add the minced garlic and tomato paste Stir the mix and let it cook for another two minutes until really fragrant and a bit sticky

Deglaze and Build the Sauce:

Pour chicken broth into the skillet Scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to lift up all those tasty browned bits from the sausage Let the broth simmer a few minutes to reduce by about half Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices and add the dried herbs and season with salt and pepper Stir it all together and keep the mixture simmering until slightly thickened about five to seven minutes

Finish Creamy Sauce:

Lower the heat Add the half and half or heavy cream Stir well and let it gently bubble away for two or three minutes until the sauce looks silky and rich If you want a looser sauce splash in some reserved pasta water until it is just right

Combine Pasta and Cheese:

Return the browned sausage to the sauce Stir to combine then add the cooked pasta Toss everything so the noodles are coated and glossy Sprinkle in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese Stir until the cheese is melted smooth and stretchy

Serve:

Dish it up straight from the skillet while it is piping hot I always pair it with crusty garlic bread and a tossed green salad for the most comforting finish

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My absolute favorite part is the melty mozzarella It reminds me of the fun my kids have stretching the cheese with their forks every time we serve this up Family pasta night always ends in laughter and satisfied bellies with this recipe

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to three days If it thickens overnight just add a splash of milk or broth when you reheat on the stove or in the microwave

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap penne or fusilli with rigatoni or shells The sauce works well with gluten free pasta for dietary needs If you want to lighten it up try using turkey sausage and half and half instead of cream

Serving Suggestions

Serve straight from the skillet with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar or Italian salad For a heartier meal tuck in roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach on the side A glass of dry red wine pairs really well with all the herby sausage flavors

Cultural and Historical Context

Creamy pasta dishes with sausage are a beloved staple in both Italian American and classic Italian kitchens This recipe carries that tradition but keeps things fast and simple for home cooks It has become my way of blending traditional flavors with modern kitchen speed

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of pasta works best?

Penne or fusilli hold the creamy sauce well, but rigatoni or rotini are also excellent choices for this dish.

→ Can I use a different sausage?

You can substitute with mild or spicy Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even chicken sausage based on your preference.

→ How do I make the sauce creamier?

Adding extra half and half or a splash of heavy cream will give the sauce extra richness and body.

→ What cheese blend enhances flavor best?

A mix of Parmesan for sharpness and mozzarella for melt and gooey texture creates a balanced, tasty finish.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream if needed.

→ Can I make this dish ahead?

You can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it before tossing with freshly cooked pasta for best results.