Italian Sausage Pasta
A delicious and satisfying dish that combines hearty pasta with savory Italian sausage, creamy sauce, and fresh aromatics, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 ounces Pasta (penne or rigatoni) Choose your favorite shape.
- 1 pound Italian sausage Use sweet or spicy based on preference.
- 1 Onion, diced Yellow or white onion works well.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh garlic is best for flavor.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) Diced tomatoes Canned tomatoes make it easy.
- 1 cup Heavy cream Substitute with half-and-half if desired.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Freshly grated enhances flavor.
- Salt and pepper To taste, adjust based on personal preference.
- Fresh basil or parsley For garnish, add freshness and color.
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and mix in heavy cream, cooking until slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta and mix well.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Choose high-quality sausage for the best flavor. Cook pasta just until al dente; it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of white wine before adding the heavy cream. Top each serving with extra Parmesan cheese for a delicious finishing touch. Experiment with adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients and color.