Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is a one-pan pasta dish that your family will absolutely love! It is delicious and oh-so easy to whip up, which makes it a perfect weeknight dinner.
If there's one thing I know my entire family will eat when it comes to dinner, it's pasta. While my kids are big fans of my Taco Mac and Cheese and Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti, I love making a lot of different types of pasta, because they always love it. I mean, who doesn't love carbs?
This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is one I've been making a long time and is my favorite way to make "spaghetti" but a little jazzed up. Instead of beef, I use flavorful Italian ground sausage. I add some cream to give it a richness that spaghetti sauce doesn't have. My kids absolutely love this pasta and I know yours will, too!
Looking for vegetarian pasta recipes? Check out my Creamy Vegetable Pasta, Creamy Broccoli Pasta, and Boursin Pasta!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy - this recipe is quick and simple to make with just a handful of ingredients and steps!
- Crowd Pleaser - this pasta dish is loved by my entire family and everyone who has tried it.
- Weeknight Meal - this is perfect for an easy and delicious weeknight meal on those busy nights when you only have 20-30 minutes to cook.
Ingredients
Italian Sausage - I use classic pork Italian sausage from my local grocery store's butcher. Since this is the majority of the flavor, better quality meat will make a big difference!
Olive Oil - used to cook the onion and garlic.
Onion and Garlic - aromatics that add a ton of delicious flavor to the pasta.
Marinara Sauce - this is the base of the tomato based sausage pasta sauce.
Heavy Cream - cream adds a richness and creaminess to this Italian sausage pasta.
Parmesan Cheese - cheese is added to the sauce and then sprinkled on top. Give my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta a try, too, if you love Parmesan cheese!
Fresh Basil - optional, but delicious for sprinkling on top.
Variations
Add Herbs - good quality sausage and marinara will add a ton of flavor but you can also add a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning.
Add Some Heat - if you want this pasta spicy, you can use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes.
Add Vegetables - You can certainly increase the nutrition in this pasta by adding a few handfuls of chopped baby spinach, some diced zucchini, chopped kale, red bell peppers, or mushrooms. Add them along with the onion and sauté until they are softened.
Step by Step Instructions
Photo 1. In a large skillet or pan, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into smaller pieces as it browns. Add the olive oil and diced onion, stirring to combine with the sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened, and then add the garlic, cooking another minute.
Photo 3. Add the marinara and stir to combine. Stir in the cream and Parmesan.
Photo 4. Add cooked pasta and stir well. Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips
Storage - store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheating - reheat in the microwave in intervals of 30 seconds, stirring well. You can add a splash of broth or cream to re-hydrate the sauce, if needed.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can use a meat-substitute or just omit the meat altogether.
That will work. I wouldn't use milk or anything with less fat than half and half, as it will not result in as creamy of a result.
You can. Simply let it cool to room temperature and then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator
Other Pasta Recipes to Consider
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, or take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #greensnchocolate.
Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 cups marinara
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
- fresh chopped basil optional, for topping/garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the olive oil and onion and stir well to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened.
- Add the garlic, stir, and cook another minute.
- Add the marinara sauce and stir to combine.
- Add the cream and Parmesan cheese, and stir well to combine.
- Cook for a few minutes to let it heat up.
- Drain the cooked pasta and then add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to combine.
- Serve and enjoy! Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil, if desired.
Made this tonight and it was delicious!!!