Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Description:
This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is a cozy, indulgent dish made with tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s the perfect one-pot weeknight dinner that brings the flavor of an Italian trattoria to your table in under 30 minutes!
Total Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
Pasta – 300g (10 oz) penne, rigatoni, or fusilli
Italian sausage – 250g (9 oz), casings removed (use mild or spicy as preferred)
Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
Sun-dried tomatoes – 1/3 cup, chopped (in oil, drained)
Baby spinach – 2 cups
Heavy cream – 1 cup (240 ml)
Chicken broth – 1/2 cup (120 ml
Parmesan cheese – 3/4 cup, freshly grated
Salt & pepper – to taste
Chili flakes (optional) – for heat
Fresh basil (optional) – for garnish
Instructions:
Cook Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cook Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage (remove casings if needed) and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
Add Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the sausage. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Deglaze & Simmer Sauce:
Pour in chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan. Let it reduce slightly, then pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add Parmesan & Spinach:
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and baby spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.
Combine Pasta:
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If needed, use a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – approx.)
Calories: 610
Protein: 23g
Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on sausage type and pasta brand.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
A: Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can thicken it with a little flour or cream cheese.
Q: What type of sausage is best?
A: Use good-quality Italian sausage, either mild or spicy based on your taste. Chicken sausage also works!
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta and ensure the sausage is gluten-free.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: Use spicy Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers