Description

This Creamiest Italian Sausage Pasta Ever is a rich, cozy, easy dinner made with tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, tomato cream sauce, parmesan, garlic, and herbs. It is perfect for quick weeknight dinners, comforting pasta food ideas, family dinner ideas, and anyone craving an easy recipe with creamy Italian flavor.

Ingredients

12 ounces penne pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound Italian sausage, mild or spicy, casings removed

1 small yellow onion, finely diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 can 14.5 ounces crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed

2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.

3. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.

5. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes.

6. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

7. Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted into the sauce.

8. Add the cooked pasta and toss well. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is glossy and coats the pasta.

9. Taste and adjust seasoning. Finish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm.

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce because pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well.

Keep the heat low after adding the cream so the sauce stays silky and does not separate.

Save more pasta water than you think you need because it is the best way to loosen the sauce before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 610
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 760mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: creamiest Italian sausage pasta ever, creamy Italian sausage pasta, easy dinner, weeknight pasta, pasta dinner ideas, creamy pasta recipe, Italian sausage dinner