If you’re craving that cozy, creamy comfort with a bit of an adventurous twist, then this Best Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe is just what you need! Succulent sausage and rich, velvety sauce unite to create a dinner that’ll make your taste buds dance with delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Delight: The cream sauce is luxuriously smooth and envelops the pasta perfectly, making each bite blissfully rich.
- Flavorful Sausage: Using pork and fennel sausage adds a unique, savory depth that regular sausage just can’t match.
- Quick and Easy: In just 30 minutes, you have a gourmet dinner ready to impress without the stress!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Best Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet effective ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in layering flavors and textures that come together harmoniously in every bite.
- Butter: The base that browns both onions and sausages, contributing a luscious richness.
- Brown Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed to glassy perfection.
- Sausages: Bringing bold flavors, these pork and fennel sausages are the backbone of the dish.
- Fresh Sage Leaves: Infuse the pasta with earthy, aromatic notes that are irresistible.
- Cream: Forms the creamy, dreamy sauce that keeps you coming back for more.
- Parmesan: For that wonderfully cheesy richness that beautifully melds into the sauce.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity to brighten the flavors and cut through the richness.
- Pasta of your choice: Choose your favorite variety to carry the sauce, from penne to linguine.
Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful recipe. It’s effortlessly adaptable, whether you’re accommodating a dietary preference or exploring new flavors!
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap sausage for mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative.
- Spicy Upgrade: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a heat that tickles your taste buds.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in a little mozzarella for an extra creamy texture that stretches invitingly.
How to Make Best Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of well-salted water according to package instructions. Consider undercooking it by a minute to allow it to fully mature in the sauce, merging the flavors perfectly without turning mushy.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Sausages
In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat, gently frying the onions until soft and glassy. Remove them, then use the same skillet to brown the sausage meat with freshly added butter until it’s cooked through and deliciously colored.
Step 3: Craft the Creamy Sauce
Lower the skillet’s heat, introduce the sage and fennel seeds, letting them harmonize with the sausage. Add the cream, gently simmering – this is where the sauce finds its groove. Slowly whisk in parmesan until the sauce is unified, adding black pepper and lemon juice for that final vibrant touch.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Swirl your cooked pasta and sautéed onions into the sauce, tossing them together over gentle heat. Allow it to bubble softly as flavors infuse perfectly. Serve warm, topped generously with parmesan and lemon zest.
Pro Tips for Making Best Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Brown the Sausage: Ensure that the sausage meat gains a nice color, as this adds a delicious depth to the flavors.
- Gentle Simmering: Avoid boiling the cream to keep your sauce silky smooth and prevent splitting.
- Fresh Parmesan: Use freshly grated parmesan over pre-shredded types for better melting and richer flavor.
How to Serve Best Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra parmesan and a touch of lemon zest not only add a burst of flavor but also elevate the presentation of this dish, making it even more appetizing.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread, perfect for scooping up every last bit of that delightful sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in shallow bowls for a rustic touch, garnished with herbs like basil or parsley. For an elegant flair, a dash of pink peppercorns can add a lovely pop of color and delicate spice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will remain fresh and delicious for up to three days.
Freezing
To freeze, allow your pasta to cool completely and then transfer into freezer-safe containers. Frozen pasta should be consumed within one month for optimal flavor.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to restore its velvety consistency. Avoid microwaving, which might dry out the sauce.
FAQs
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap the butter and cream with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter. It subtly alters the flavor but remains delightful.
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What’s the best type of sausage to use?
Pork and fennel sausage is recommended for its robust flavor but feel free to use your favorite variety or even chicken sausage for a leaner option.
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Can I use pre-grated parmesan?
Pre-grated parmesan can be used in a pinch, though grating your own allows for better texture and flavor as it’s free from anti-caking agents.
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What if I don’t have fresh sage?
If you’re out of fresh sage, use half the amount of dried sage or try swapping with another herb like thyme for a pleasant twist.
Final Thoughts
This Best Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. I hope you give it a whirl in your kitchen and feel the love and comfort it brings. Happy cooking!
Print
Best Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This Creamy Sausage Pasta is a rich and savory dish featuring juicy sausages, fragrant sage, and a velvety cream sauce, tossed with your favorite pasta and finished with lemon zest and Parmesan for an elevated flavor experience. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion, it combines simple ingredients with expert techniques for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 250 grams pasta of your choice (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti recommended)
For the Sausage and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 brown onion, thinly sliced
- 220 grams sausages (about 3 sausages), casings removed and meat squeezed out (pork and fennel recommended)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, roughly chopped <½ teaspoon fennel seeds (optional) <¾ cup heavy cream <½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground 50 grams Parmesan cheese, finely grated 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Lemon zest (from 1 lemon) for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, but undercook by about 1 minute to ensure it doesn’t overcook in the sauce later. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Onions: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Gently cook for 5-6 minutes until soft and translucent, avoiding any browning. Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Cook Sausage: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat until sizzling. Add the sausage meat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Do not stir excessively to allow some caramelization.
- Add Herbs and Fennel Seeds: Stir in the chopped sage and fennel seeds (if using). Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Make Cream Sauce: Push the sausage to one side of the pan. Lower the heat to gentle simmer and add the cream to the cleared side. Allow it to warm without boiling. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese in two additions, letting each melt into the cream before adding the next. Add black pepper and lemon juice, whisk to combine.
- Add Pasta and Onions: Toss the cooked pasta and the sautéed onions into the sauce. Mix well and simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to let flavors meld. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed, and add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems thick.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, garnish with extra Parmesan, lemon zest, and an optional squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Using fresh sage enhances the dish’s aroma; dried sage can be used if fresh isn’t available.
- Fennel seeds are optional but add a lovely anise-like flavor that complements the sausage.
- Undercooking the pasta slightly ensures it absorbs the sauce beautifully without becoming mushy.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.
- You can swap sausage types depending on your preference or dietary needs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
