Description
Creamy Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
12 oz (340g) rotini pasta
1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casing removed
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Directions
Cook the Pasta: Boil rotini in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Make the Sauce: Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta and sausage back to the skillet. Toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Garnish & Serve: Top with fresh basil leaves and serve warm!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 520 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results. Start by gathering all ingredients and equipment. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil for the pasta. While waiting, heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small, bite-sized crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, then transfer to a plate. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds, ensuring it doesn’t burn. Pour in the heavy cream, then whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it begins to melt. Add the diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Finally, add the drained pasta and cooked sausage back to the skillet, tossing everything until fully coated and heated through.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with simple sides to balance the meal. Serve it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli or green beans. For a restaurant-style touch, offer extra grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes at the table. A slice of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce left on the plate.
How-to Summary
In summary, this dish comes together in three key stages: 1) Cook the pasta. 2) Brown the sausage and create a simple creamy tomato sauce in the same pan. 3) Combine everything and toss until the pasta is luxuriously coated. The entire process uses one pot for the sauce and sausage, minimizing cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or farfalle all work well as they hold creamy sauces effectively.
How can I make this dish less rich? Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still delicious.
What can I use instead of Italian sausage? Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative are great options. Just add a pinch more Italian seasoning and some red pepper flakes for flavor.
How do I 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 cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Can I freeze this pasta? It’s not recommended, as cream-based sauces can separate and become grainy when thawed and reheated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the garlic, which turns it bitter. Sauté just until fragrant.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan from a canister. Freshly grated cheese melts much more smoothly.
- Adding the pasta to the sauce without reserving some pasta water. A splash of starchy water can help adjust sauce thickness.
- Simmering the sauce at too high a boil, which can cause the cream to separate or scorch.
Conclusion
This Creamy Sausage Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Its one-pan methodology and flexible ingredients make it a reliable staple for any cook. Rich, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!