Description
Creamy Sausage and Tomato Rotini
Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until they soften.
Make the Sauce: Lower heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta, Sausage, and Sauce: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley, and enjoy warm!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~550 kcal per serving
#SausagePasta #CreamyPasta #ItalianFlavors #ComfortFood #EasyDinner
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time. Start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. Use a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven to make the entire dish in one pan after boiling the pasta. When browning the sausage, ensure you get a good sear for maximum flavor. As you sauté the garlic, keep the heat medium to prevent burning. When adding the cream, reduce the heat to low immediately to prevent curdling. Stir the Parmesan cheese continuously until it fully melts into a silky sauce. Finally, toss the pasta and sausage in the sauce off the heat for a minute to let the pasta absorb the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a true Italian trattoria experience, serve with a side of garlic bread or focaccia. A glass of medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or a crisp white like Pinot Grigio complements the savory sausage and creamy tomato sauce perfectly.
How-to Summary
In summary: Cook and drain the rotini. Brown sliced Italian sausage in a skillet, then set aside. In the same pan, sauté garlic and tomatoes. Lower the heat, add cream and Parmesan to create a sauce. Return the sausage and cooked pasta to the skillet, toss to coat, garnish, and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or farfalle all work well as they hold the creamy sauce effectively.
- How can I make this dish less heavy? Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a slightly lighter, though still creamy, result.
- What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
- Can I use ground sausage instead of sliced links? Yes, simply remove the casing and cook the ground sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns.
- Is there a way to add more vegetables? Sauté sliced bell peppers, onions, or spinach with the garlic for an added nutritional boost and color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Always cook pasta to al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly when tossed in the hot sauce.
- High Heat with Cream: Adding cream to a very hot pan can cause it to separate or curdle. Always reduce the heat first.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. For the smoothest sauce, grate a block of Parmesan yourself.
- Crowding the Sausage: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning the sausage, as this will steam them instead of creating a flavorful sear.
Conclusion
This Creamy Sausage and Tomato Rotini is the epitome of quick, satisfying comfort food. With its rich sauce, flavorful sausage, and tender pasta, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 30 minutes. Mastering the simple techniques outlined here—from achieving the perfect sear to creating a smooth cream sauce—will ensure a restaurant-quality result. Don’t be afraid to customize it with your favorite additions, and enjoy this delicious, hearty meal any night of the week.