Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe Clara quick dinners

This creamy sausage pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food—rich, savory, and packed with flavor. Made with hearty sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious cream sauce, it’s a one-pan meal that’s both quick and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress without the stress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this creamy sausage pasta because it’s simple, delicious, and made in under 30 minutes. The combination of browned sausage, aromatic garlic, and a creamy, cheesy sauce creates a cozy, indulgent pasta dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is incredibly easy to make at home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or date night dinners.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
Olive oil
Garlic (minced)
Onion (finely chopped)
Heavy cream
Chicken broth
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Salt and black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

directions

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 34 minutes. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for 1 more minute.
Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 23 minutes to deglaze the pan.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat evenly, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer for 12 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1520 minutes
Total time: 2530 minutes
Servings: 4

Variations

Tomato twist: Add a few spoonfuls of tomato paste or diced tomatoes to the sauce for a rosé-style version.
Veggie-packed: Stir in spinach, kale, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
Cheesy upgrade: Add mozzarella or cream cheese for an even creamier, cheesier pasta.
Spicy version: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and check that your sausage and broth are gluten-free.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Avoid boiling the sauce to prevent it from separating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, but browning fresh sausage adds more flavor. Just chop and warm pre-cooked sausage in the skillet before proceeding with the sauce.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner. For better results, use half-and-half or thicken with a bit of cream cheese or flour.

Is this dish spicy?

Only if you use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes—otherwise it’s mild and family-friendly.

What pasta works best?

Short-cut pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells hold the creamy sauce well, but long noodles like fettuccine also work.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but for best texture, cook the pasta just before serving and reheat gently.

What’s the best cheese for this sauce?

Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor and melts smoothly. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well.

Can I freeze creamy sausage pasta?

Cream sauces don’t always freeze well as they may separate. If freezing, do so without the cream and add it fresh when reheating.

Can I use chicken sausage?

Yes! Chicken sausage works great and offers a lighter option.

How can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream alternatives and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free brand.

What can I serve with it?

Serve with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans.

Conclusion

This creamy sausage pasta is your go-to recipe when you need something hearty, quick, and packed with flavor. With minimal ingredients and maximum comfort, it’s sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. Whether you make it spicy, cheesy, or veggie-filled, this pasta hits the spot every time.

Description

This creamy sausage pasta is a quick and cozy dish made with tender pasta, flavorful sausage, and a silky cream sauce. It’s the kind of weeknight comfort food that feels fancy without the effort — simple, hearty, and packed with flavor.

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks (about 57 minutes).
Add chopped onion and cook for 23 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and chili flakes, and cook for another minute.
Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Let simmer for 23 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and cook for 12 more minutes to heat everything through.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or extra cheese.

Notes

Want it lighter? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
You can use chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage too.
Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.