Description
Three Cheese Pasta with Sausage
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb Italian sausage (sliced or crumbled)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Directions
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked pasta and sausage back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the cheese sauce.
Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 600 kcal per serving
#ThreeCheesePasta #CheesyGoodness #PastaLovers #ComfortFood #EasyDinnerIdeas #SausagePasta #FoodieFavorites #HomeCooking
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time. First, ensure your pasta water is well-salted before adding the penne. While the pasta cooks, begin browning the Italian sausage in your large skillet. For deeper flavor, consider browning the sausage in batches to avoid steaming. After removing the sausage, add the garlic to the rendered fat (supplemented with olive oil if needed) and sauté just until fragrant to prevent burning. When simmering the heavy cream, keep the heat low to medium to avoid separation. Add the cheeses off the heat initially, stirring constantly to create a smooth, velvety sauce before returning the skillet to low heat to incorporate the pasta and sausage.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides to balance its decadence. Serve it alongside a crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, offer warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into any extra cheese sauce. A light, acidic red wine like a Chianti or a Pinot Noir can cut through the richness perfectly.
How-to Summary
In summary: Cook pasta. Brown sausage and set aside. Sauté garlic in the same pan. Simmer cream, then melt in the three cheeses to create a sauce. Combine sauce with the drained pasta and cooked sausage. Season and garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle all work well as they hold the chunky sauce effectively.
How can I make this dish less spicy? Simply omit the red pepper flakes. The dish will still be full of flavor from the sausage and cheeses.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream? For a slightly lighter version, half-and-half can be used, but the sauce will be less rich and thick. Avoid milk as it may curdle.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can, but the sauce may thicken upon standing. Reheat it gently on the stove with a small splash of milk or pasta water to loosen it.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of liquid to refresh the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter. Sauté it only for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Using Pre-Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. For the smoothest sauce, shred your own cheese.
- Adding Cheese to Boiling Cream: High heat can cause the cheese to seize or become oily. Let the cream simmer gently, then reduce heat before adding the cheese.
- Skipping Pasta Water: Don’t drain your pasta and let it sit dry. The starchy pasta water is a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency at the end.
Conclusion
This Three Cheese Pasta with Sausage is the ultimate weeknight comfort food, delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss. By combining savory Italian sausage with a luxuriously creamy trio of cheeses, it creates a satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Remember the key tips: shred your own cheese, control your heat, and don’t forget the garnish of fresh parsley for a bright finish. Enjoy this hearty, cheesy masterpiece!