Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this deliciously hearty Creamy Sausage Pasta! It’s a symphony of bold flavors, with juicy pork sausages, sweet red peppers, and the creamiest sauce you can imagine—all coming together to create a truly magical dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a special family occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Bursting with Flavor: With fennel seeds and Italian herbs, the taste is absolutely divine.
  • Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy and cheesy, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
  • Family Favorite: Pleases all palates, from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this mouthwatering Creamy Sausage Pasta, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays a role, from adding depth of flavor to creating that rich creaminess we all crave.

  • Olive Oil: Adds a fruity base flavor and helps sauté the onions and garlic to perfection.
  • Large Onion: Provides sweetness and depth, softening beautifully as it cooks.
  • Garlic Cloves: Brings a wonderful aromatic kick essential to any pasta dish.
  • Good Quality Pork Sausages: The star of the show, providing richness and protein.
  • Large Red Peppers: Their sweetness complements the sausage and adds a vibrant color.
  • Dry Pasta: Soaks up the delicious flavors and gives the dish its hearty base.
  • Tin of Chopped Tomatoes: Adds a fresh, tangy element that balances the creaminess.
  • Fennel Seeds: Provides a subtle anise flavor that elevates the sausages.
  • Italian Herbs: A fragrant mix that brings an herbal touch to the sauce.
  • Dried Chilli Flakes: Adds a hint of heat, adjustable to your liking.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
  • Vegetable Stock: Helps cook the pasta and adds a savory depth to the sauce.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates an irresistibly smooth and creamy sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Finishes the dish with its savory, nutty flavor.
  • Fresh Basil: Optional, but adds a fresh pop of flavor and color.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Creamy Sausage Pasta is its adaptability. Feel free to make it your own by swapping ingredients to accommodate dietary needs or to match what’s in your pantry.

  • Sausage Swap: Try using chicken or turkey sausages for a lighter option.
  • Vegetarian Delight: Omit the sausages and add zucchini and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
  • Spice It Up: Increase the chilli flakes if you love a bit more heat in your dish.
  • Cheese Choices: Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or heavy cream for a different creamy texture.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and crushed garlic, sautéing them for about 4-5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This savory blend forms the flavor base of our pasta dish.

Step 2: Cook Sausages and Peppers

Remove the sausages from their skins and add them to the pan in small chunks, alongside the red pepper slices. Increase the heat a bit and sauté for another 5 minutes. Watch as the sausage browns beautifully and the peppers start to slightly char at the edges, enhancing their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Combine Core Ingredients

Add the dry pasta directly to the pan along with the chopped tomatoes, fennel seeds, Italian herbs, and chili flakes. Pour in about 500 ml of the vegetable stock, season with salt and pepper, and give it a good stir. Cover and let it cook for about 13-15 minutes, until the pasta is just shy of being cooked through.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Add the cream cheese and grated Parmesan to the mixture, stirring until everything melds together into a creamy sauce. Incorporate fresh basil if desired, and let the mixture warm through for a couple of minutes.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Sausage Pasta

  • Optimal Sautéing: Take your time to sauté the onions and garlic well for maximum sweetness and aromatic depth.
  • Stock Control: Keep a close eye and add stock gradually to ensure the perfect pasta texture—just tender enough but not mushy.
  • Cream Cheese Consistency: For an extra creamy sauce, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding.
  • Cheese Selection: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt more seamlessly and enhance the flavor compared to pre-packaged versions.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Pasta

Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Top your Creamy Sausage Pasta with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or freshly grated Parmesan for an extra burst of flavor and color. These garnishes not only enhance the dish visually but also add a delightful aromatic touch.

Side Dishes

A side of garlic bread or a simple mixed green salad makes the perfect accompaniment to this rich dish. The bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, while the salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of the pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve the pasta in a large, shallow bowl. Create a small mound of pasta in the center and scatter a few vibrant basil leaves around. Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil for a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Sausage Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or a quick grab-and-go lunch during the week.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta. Place it in a freezer-safe container and it will last up to three months. Thaw it completely in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to reintroduce moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through, and add more Parmesan if desired for a fresh cheesy finish.

FAQs

  1. Can I use whole wheat pasta?

    Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and increases the fiber content, making this dish even more nutritious.

  2. Is there a non-dairy option for the cream cheese?

    Yes, you can substitute with non-dairy cream cheese, or even use coconut milk for a different creamy texture and taste.

  3. Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

    Simply switch out the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, ensuring the other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.

  4. What other herbs can I use?

    If you want to experiment, try adding rosemary or thyme for a different herbal profile in your dish.

Final Thoughts

With its exquisite blend of flavors and creamy textures, this Creamy Sausage Pasta is sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection. I invite you to cook it up and witness the delight it brings to your family table!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe

Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 133 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

Creamy Sausage Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring succulent pork sausages, roasted red peppers, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe combines the savory taste of sausages with the freshness of basil and the creaminess of cheese, all cooked in a flavorful tomato-based broth.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Protein & Vegetables

  • 1 tsp Olive oil
  • 1 Large onion, Peeled and chopped
  • 3 Cloves garlic, Peeled and crushed
  • 400 g (14 oz) Good quality pork sausages
  • 2 Large Red peppers, Deseeded and sliced

Pasta & Liquids

  • 250 g (9 oz) Dry pasta
  • 400 g (14.5 oz) Tin of chopped tomatoes
  • 750 ml (3.25 cups) Vegetable stock

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 tsp Fennel seeds
  • 2 tsp Italian herbs
  • 0.5 tsp Dried chilli flakes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cheese & Herbs

  • 250 g (9 oz) Cream cheese
  • 100 g (3 oz) Parmesan cheese, Grated
  • 25 g (1 oz) Fresh basil, Chopped, optional

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or frying pan over a medium heat. Add the chopped onions and crushed garlic, frying gently for about 4-5 minutes until softened.
  2. Add sausages and peppers: Remove the sausage meat from their casings and cut into small chunks. Add to the pan along with the sliced red peppers. Increase the heat and fry for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are golden and peppers start to blacken at the edges.
  3. Add pasta and liquids: Stir in the dry pasta, chopped tomatoes, fennel seeds, Italian herbs, chilli flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour in about 2 cups (500 ml) of vegetable stock. Cover with a lid and cook for 13-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is almost cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed. Add extra stock if the mixture appears dry.
  4. Finish with cheese and herbs: When the pasta is nearly done, stir in the cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and chopped basil if using. Mix well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
  5. Serve immediately: Transfer to plates or bowls and enjoy hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or basil if desired.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of stock if you prefer a wetter or drier sauce.
  • You can replace fresh basil with dried herbs if fresh is unavailable.
  • For a milder version, skip the chili flakes or reduce the quantity.
  • This dish can be made ahead and reheated; add a splash of stock to loosen it if it thickens.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star