Description
This Saucy Sausage and Lemon Pasta is a rich and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a creamy lemon-infused sauce with browned Italian sausage. Bright lemon zest and juice balance the richness of the heavy cream and Parmesan, making it a delightful weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sausage
- 12 ounces pasta such as penne or fettuccine
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to help loosen the sauce later.
- Brown Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until browned and thoroughly cooked. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the dry white wine if using, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits that add flavor. Let it reduce slightly.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Sausage and Sauce: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and toss it into the creamy sauce to combine evenly.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce and sausage. Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Toss well to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Dish out the pasta immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
- Adding fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes enhances both color and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preference for a brighter flavor.
