Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

If you’re looking for a rich, comforting dinner that’s bursting with flavor, this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is the ultimate one-pan meal. It combines savory sausage, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce. It’s the kind of hearty, satisfying dish that feels like a cozy hug in every bite, ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

Keeping weeknight dinners exciting is a constant challenge in most households, mine included. With everyone on different schedules, having a dish that reheats beautifully and still tastes amazing is a true win. That’s where this creamy Italian sausage pasta comes in. It’s quick, comforting, and packed with simple, authentic flavors that please the whole table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting last-minute guests, this easy pasta dish delivers big on taste with minimal effort.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need on hand to make this Creamy Sausage Pasta: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

Pasta – One pound penne rigate has ridges that really grabs onto the creamy sauce.
Sausage – One pound spicy or sweet Italian sausage gives the pasta its signature flavor.
Cheese – Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese for the sauce.
Onion – One medium sweet onion expands the flavor profile.
Garlic – Fresh garlic adds depth of flavor.
Spices – Dry Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.
Liquid – Heavy cream gives the sauce a rich texture.
Tomatoes – Sun dried tomatoes add a slightly sweet flavor and tomato flavor.
Spinach – Baby spinach leaves add color and freshness.
Basil Pesto – Pesto adds a robust flavor to the sauce.

ingredients-to-make-creamy-Italian-sausage-pasta

How to Make the BEST Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

Cook the Pasta – Boil penne pasta in a large pot of water per the package directions until al dente.
Sauté the Sausage – Cook the Italian sausage and onion until no pink remains, then drain excess grease from the pan.
Garlic and Spices – Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan, cook for 1-2 minutes.
Make the Sauce – Add the cream to the pot, simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Veggies – Add the spinach and sundried tomatoes. Cook while stirring, just until the spinach has wilted.
Combine – Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese, stir to evenly coat. Add reserved pasta water in small amounts, to thin the sauce to your taste. Simmer just until heated through.
Pesto – Add one tablespoon of basil pesto at a time, increasing the amount to your taste.
Serve immediately topped with additional Parmesan cheese.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Italian Sausage Pasta

Large pot or skillet plus a pasta cooker to cook the penne.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Sharp knife and chopping board.
Cheese grater. Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese has a better flavor and melts more easily.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Protein – You can make this pasta using spicy sausage or mild sausage. Should you choose to use spicy, you may want to omit the red pepper flakes.
Ground Beef – You can make this recipe using lean ground beef, in place of sausage.
Pasta – You can use ziti or rigatoni in place of penne regatta.
Heavy Cream – You can use light cream or half and half in place of heavy cream. The sauce will be thinner, so you may need to thicken it with cream cheese, adding one ounce at a time and stirring until its melted. Reheat as needed.
Pesto – Pesto adds an intense flavor to the sauce that makes this pasta recipe shine. You could also use sun dried tomato pesto to change up the flavor profile.
Fresh Herbs – You could add fresh parsley, fresh basil, rosemary, oregano or thyme.
Nuts – A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts would add crunch.
Cheese – You can use Parmesan cheese, Parmesan Romano cheese or Parmesan Reggiano.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftovers – Store leftover Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating – Reheat in single servings in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat. You may want to add additional cream or milk to thin.
Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Easy Pasta Recipes to Make

You can fully assemble this Saucy Baked Penne one day in advance then pop it into the oven just before serving.
Cajun Chicken Pasta with Andouille is packed with flavor.
This Cowboy Pasta Salad is hearty and filling.
My recipe for Baked Pasta Bolognese is a family favorite.
Add this quick and easy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta to your side dish rotation.
Make this Spaghetti Carbonara with ham!
The family will LOVE my Chicken Parmesan Casserole for a busy day meal.
You’ll love topping this Lemon Pasta with grilled shrimp or chicken.
Chicken Linguine Recipe from The Slow Roasted Italian.

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