Using Italian sausage in pasta is real game changer. Try your favorite Italian sausage drenched in a garlic parmesan cream sauce with the pasta shape of your choice. Nothing fancy… nothing complicated… ready in 20 minutes. Yet I promise, you will get hooked on these amazing flavors in one bite. I have some great pasta dinners that are perfect for any busy weeknight. My ever popular Gigi Hadid Pasta is what everyone seems to cook as the evening starts looming (according to our trusty Google Analytics). Then there is Ground Chicken Pasta, Pasta e Piselli and Mediterranean Pasta. So many varied and delicious flavors you can add to any pasta bowl. For dinner tonight, try this easy and super simple sausage pasta in creamy, finger licking parmesan sauce. The star of this dish is, of course, Italian Sausage. I mean, those sausages with fennel seeds are what really make the difference. I’ve tried it with both spicy and mild Italian sausage, and spicy wins a tad bit more in our household. But it’s really a personal choice. Use any of your favorite Italian sausage for this recipe.
Ingredients Needed
Italian Sausage – I use pork sausage with castings removed. Pasta – Think bigger shapes like rigatoni, penne, shells, farfalle or fusilli. They hold the sauce great. Veggies – Onion, mushrooms and spinach. Garlic – Fresh is best. Cream – I use heavy whipping cream, but you can use half & half for a lighter dish. Parmesan – Freshly grated, please. Olive oil
How to Make Creamy Sausage Pasta
I cook the pasta al dente according to the instructions on the packet. Once it’s done, I drain it and keep it ready for the next step. I heat up some olive oil in a skillet and sauté the onion, garlic, and mushrooms for a couple of minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. Then, I add in the Italian sausage and cook it, using a spatula to crumble it as it cooks. I continue cooking until the sausage is browned all over, ensuring it’s cooked through. I lower the heat and gently pour in the cream, stirring it into the skillet for about a minute to combine it with the sausage mixture. Then, I add in the cheese along with the spinach, and continue cooking for another minute. This allows the cheese to melt and the spinach to wilt, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce for the pasta. Next, I add the cooked pasta into the skillet. I cook everything together until the spinach is wilted, which usually takes just a couple of minutes. That’s it. My Creamy Sausage pasta is ready!
Variations
Instead of cream, some days I like to use béchamel or white sauce for this recipe. It adds a rich and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the pasta and sausage. Alternatively, any Alfredo sauce or even your favorite store-bought pasta sauce can be a great alternative. Vodka sauce can also be a delicious option to try out. When it comes to the meat, I love experimenting with different options. Ground chicken, turkey, beef, or even pork can all work well in this pasta dish, adding their own unique flavors. For some extra veggie power, I like to add in different vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, peas, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes. Not only do they add color and freshness, but they also boost the nutritional value of the dish. Lastly, playing with different cheeses is always fun! Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can add a tangy and savory kick to the pasta, elevating its flavor profile. Experimenting with different ingredients is a great way to personalize the dish and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
I think some crusty bread or garlic bread would be great to sop up all the creamy goodness. Some fresh salad is also a good option.
Alpana’s Tips
Sausage Selection: I always choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can use either mild or spicy sausage depending on your preference. Cook Pasta Right: Cooking the pasta al dente is key. It should be firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the sauce. Perfectly Cooked Mushrooms: I sauté the mushrooms until they release their moisture and begin to brown. Brown the Sausage Well: Ensure the sausage is well-browned for maximum flavor. The browning (Maillard reaction) adds a depth of flavor to the dish. Low Heat for Cream: Add the cream on low heat to prevent it from curdling and to achieve a smooth, rich sauce. Cheese Quality: I use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s smoothness.
This pasta exactly reminds me of my favorite Italian restaurant at the Hyatt Regency in Mumbai. You can create the same top class restaurant quality flavors in your kitchen in about 20 minutes. How cool! Save this recipe for your busy nights and make a cracking meal everyone will enjoy in a matter of minutes. I love giving you these great easy flavors. Keep following GypsyPlate and there will always be some great food coming your way. Until next time…
Creamy Sausage Pasta, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!
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