When you’re craving dinner that’s both comforting and quick, Creamy Sausage Pasta is the answer. This one-pan wonder blends hearty sausage, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce—all ready in just about 20 minutes. It’s the kind of cozy, feel-good meal your family will ask for again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy & Satisfying: The luscious sauce clings to every bite, making this Creamy Sausage Pasta totally irresistible.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Effort: With just a handful of everyday ingredients and 20 minutes, you get all the comfort of a restaurant-worthy dish.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: There’s something in here for everyone—from the rich sausage to the cheesy, creamy goodness kids and grown-ups love.
- Customizable: Whether you spice it up or keep it classic, this recipe flexes to fit your mood and your pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of this Creamy Sausage Pasta lies in just a few staple ingredients that deliver maximum flavor. Each has a starring role, whether it’s adding bold savory notes, silkiness, or that perfect bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:
- Penne Pasta: Its tubular shape is the ultimate sauce-catcher, giving you those delicious creamy bites in every forkful.
- Salt: Don’t skip this! Generously salting the pasta water is key to flavorful pasta from the inside out.
- Jimmy Dean Regular Pork Sausage: Perfectly seasoned and savory, it’s the foundation of all that robust, hearty taste.
- Heavy Cream: The magic-maker that turns everything rich and luscious, transforming simple ingredients into a decadent sauce.
- Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is your secret to silky, restaurant-style sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Optional Add-Ins (garlic, green bell peppers): For extra flavor and color, toss these in with the sausage as it cooks.
Variations
One of the best parts about Creamy Sausage Pasta is its adaptability—don’t be afraid to riff based on what you love or what’s in your fridge. This dish is seriously forgiving and welcomes your personal twists!
- Make It Spicy: Swap the regular sausage for hot Italian, or stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the sauce a lively kick.
- Veggie Boost: Add handfuls of spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or try chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner spin.
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the top for another layer of creamy richness.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—don’t forget the salt! Drop in your penne and cook it according to package directions, just until al dente. You want the pasta to have some bite since it’ll cook a touch more in the sauce. Before draining, scoop out about ½ cup of pasta water; this stuff is culinary gold and will transform your sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, crumble your sausage into a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Watch as it sizzles, releasing delicious aromas and browning all over. If you’re adding garlic or green bell pepper, toss them in now so they have a chance to soften and mingle with the sausage flavors. Once everything is beautifully browned, transfer the meat mixture to a plate with a slotted spoon, leaving any tasty bits behind in the pan.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Place your skillet (don’t wipe it out!) back over medium-high heat and add that reserved ½ cup pasta water. Scrape with a spatula to free up any browned goodness stuck to the pan—these are flavor treasures. Lower the heat to medium, pour in the heavy cream, and let everything gently bubble for 3–5 minutes. Stir often to keep the sauce smooth and prevent any burning—it’ll thicken to the perfect, silky consistency.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
When the sauce is just right, toss in your drained penne and cooked sausage. Stir everything together, so the creamy sauce wraps every noodle and sausage bite. Spoon into bowls, piping hot—dinner is ready to steal the spotlight!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Sausage Pasta
- Embrace the Browned Bits: Don’t skip deglazing the pan—scraping up those caramelized bits after browning the sausage adds a huge punch of flavor to your sauce.
- Watch the Cream: Keep an eye on your sauce as it simmers; stir frequently to prevent scorching and to ensure a smooth, silky sauce every time.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always save a little pasta water—it’s the trick to making the sauce cling and keeping everything deliciously creamy.
- Customize Textures: If you like your pasta on the saucier side, add a splash more cream or a drizzle of pasta water at the end before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Pasta
Garnishes
You can take Creamy Sausage Pasta from comforting weeknight dinner to dinner party-worthy with simple garnishes. Shower it with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or cracked black pepper to really make each bite sing.
Side Dishes
This rich dish loves a bright, crisp green salad or garlicky roasted broccoli on the side to lighten things up. And let’s be honest—no one will say no to a warm basket of crusty bread for wiping up every last bit of creamy sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Creamy Sausage Pasta in wide bowls with a drizzle of extra cream, or arrange on a big platter family-style for a more festive, shared feel. For a little extra flair, top each portion with a small mound of microgreens or an artful twirl of the penne—it’s all about those delicious details.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Creamy Sausage Pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors become even more cozy as they meld.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this pasta! Just know the cream might separate a little. Spoon into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room on top, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring your pasta back to luscious glory, reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir often and don’t rush—it’ll be creamy and delicious again in no time.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for Creamy Sausage Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully because it holds the creamy sauce, feel free to use rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti—whatever you have on hand will work just fine.
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What if I don’t have heavy cream? Can I substitute something else?
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version, or try a combination of milk and a bit of cream cheese for added richness. Just remember, the texture won’t be quite as velvety!
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Is Creamy Sausage Pasta spicy?
Not unless you want it to be! The standard recipe is mild and savory, but you can add heat by choosing spicy sausage or stirring in red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
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Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes—Creamy Sausage Pasta is wonderful for feeding a group. Simply double all the ingredients, use your largest pots and pans, and allow a bit more time for the sauce to thicken.
Final Thoughts
I hope you treat yourself to a big, creamy bowl of this Creamy Sausage Pasta soon. It’s the ultimate weeknight comfort food—simple, hearty, and utterly satisfying. Let me know how you make it your own, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular all year round!
Print
Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Easy Sausage Pasta recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that comes together quickly. Tender penne pasta is tossed in a creamy sauce with savory sausage for a comforting meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tsp salt
Sauce:
- 1 pound sausage (Jimmy Dean regular pork sausage recommended)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Add 2 tsp salt to a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente pasta.
- Cook the Sausage: In a separate large pan over medium-high heat, cook sausage thoroughly. Add garlic or green chopped green peppers if desired.
- Prepare the Sauce: Before draining the pasta, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Transfer cooked sausage to a plate. Deglaze the hot pan with 1/2 cup of pasta water. Reduce heat to medium, add heavy cream, and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, stir well to coat. Add in the sausage, mix to combine, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
