Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish combining savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce enhanced with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a delicious balance of creamy textures and robust Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned sausage. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in the can of diced tomatoes and the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Combine pasta and cheese: Add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients, letting the cheese melt into the sauce for a creamy consistency.
- Season and serve: Taste the pasta and season generously with salt and pepper as desired. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and fresh aroma.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with fresh parsley or oregano if preferred.
