Imagine a dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes, packed with creamy, savory goodness that will have your family begging for seconds! This Weeknight Creamy Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy parent, a working professional, or just someone who loves delicious food without spending hours cooking, this recipe is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner solution.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 lb sausage, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the sausage and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and let the pasta rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to further thicken and cling to the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Choose the right sausage: Use a flavorful Italian sausage for maximum taste, and remove the casing if you prefer a more integrated texture.
- Don't skip the pasta water: The starchy reserved water is liquid gold for creating a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats your pasta.
- Watch your garlic: Those 30-45 seconds of sautéing are crucial - you want fragrant garlic, not burnt bitter bits.
- Cheese matters: Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melting and flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Let the pasta rest: That extra 1-2 minutes off the heat allows the sauce to thicken and really marry with the pasta.
- Customize to your taste: Feel free to add red pepper flakes for heat or some spinach for extra nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 120mg
