Indulge in a warm, comforting bowl of Creamy Sausage Pasta, a dish that’s wonderfully satisfying yet so simple to make! With savory sausage, hearty pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce, each bite is a delightful fusion of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Creamy Sausage Pasta comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of sausage, cream cheese, and Parmesan creates an irresistible sauce.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste.
- Family Favorite: A dish that everyone will love, whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This delightful dish is all about simplicity. Just a few key ingredients come together to create a perfect blend of flavors that tastes like it simmered all day. Let’s take a closer look:
- Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing your aromatic onions and garlic.
- Good quality pork sausages: Opt for sausages with a robust flavor to add depth to your sauce.
- Red peppers: These provide a pop of color and sweetness.
- Dry pasta: Choose your favorite kind, and let it absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.
- Chopped tomatoes and vegetable stock: They form the savory base of the sauce, enriching the dish’s texture and taste.
- Cream cheese and Parmesan cheese: These give the pasta its creamy, luxurious finish.
Variations
One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe truly yours. This Creamy Sausage Pasta is wonderfully adjustable, allowing you to tweak it to your preferences or dietary needs with ease.
- Vegetarian: Swap out the sausages for a plant-based option, or add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the chilli flakes if you’re a fan of heat, or add a splash of sriracha for an extra punch.
- Low Carb: Use spiralized zucchini or squash in place of the pasta for a lighter version.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan and gently cook your onions and garlic over medium heat. This step ensures these aromatics release their incredible flavors, setting a robust base for your sauce.
Step 2: Add the Sausages and Peppers
Remove the sausages from their casings and add them to the pan with the red peppers. Increase the heat and let everything brown. This caramelization adds both color and a deeper flavor profile to your dish.
Step 3: Simmer with Pasta
Add the dry pasta, tomatoes, herbs, and spices, along with about two cups of vegetable stock. Stir everything together, cover, and let it cook until the pasta is almost tender and the flavors are well combined.
Step 4: Creamy Finish
Stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan until melted, and sprinkle fresh basil if desired. Let the creamy sauce embrace every strand of pasta, transforming our dish into the Creamy Sausage Pasta masterpiece.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Sausage Pasta
- Ingredient Selection: Choose high-quality sausages for a robust flavor that stands out.
- Perfect Temperature: Ensure the onions and garlic are cooked on medium heat to prevent burning and enhance sweetness.
- Broth Management: Monitor the liquidity levels and add more stock while cooking if necessary to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Cheese Melting Magic: Let the pot rest off the heat for a few minutes to allow the cheeses to melt smoothly into the pasta without overcooking.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Pasta
Garnishes
Consider topping your Creamy Sausage Pasta with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a dusting of Parmesan cheese. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp, green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette or some garlicky homemade bread. Either option adds a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative twist, serve the pasta in shallow bowls, spiraled into neat nests, with a dollop of extra cream cheese nestled on top. It’s a simple yet elegant presentation that makes each serving feel like a special treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Sausage Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making it even more delightful upon reheating.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing for the best texture upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If needed, add a splash of vegetable stock or cream to bring back its creamy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to use chicken sausage or a spicy Italian variety to suit your taste preferences.
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Is there a non-dairy substitution for cream cheese?
Yes, you can use non-dairy cream cheese or even coconut cream to maintain that irresistible creaminess without dairy.
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How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety, ensuring that all other ingredients are verified as gluten-free before use.
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What other vegetables can I add?
You can customize your pasta by adding spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for additional flavor and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! Creamy Sausage Pasta is a dish that delights with its rich flavors and comforting qualities. I hope it becomes a staple in your home as it is in mine. It’s easy to make, delightful to taste, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself adding it to your list of repeat recipes!
Print
Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy sausage pasta combines savory pork sausages with vibrant peppers, enriched with a luxurious cheese sauce, making for a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Proteins and Vegetables
- 1 tsp Olive oil
- 1 Large onion, Peeled and chopped
- 3 Cloves garlic, Peeled and crushed
- 400 g (14.1 oz) Good quality pork sausages
- 2 Large Red peppers, Deseeded and sliced
Pasta and Liquids
- 250 g (8.8 oz) Dry pasta
- 400 g (14.1 oz) Tin of chopped tomatoes
- 750 ml (3 cups) Vegetable stock, see notes
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1 tsp Fennel seeds
- 2 tsp Italian herbs
- 0.5 tsp Dried chilli flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 250 g (8.8 oz) Cream cheese
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Parmesan cheese, Grated
- 25 g (0.9 oz) Fresh basil, chopped, optional
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or frying pan (with a lid) over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic, frying gently for about 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add sausages and peppers: Remove the sausage meat from their casings and add in small chunks to the pan. Increase the heat, add the sliced red peppers, and fry for 5 minutes until the sausages are golden and peppers are slightly charred at the edges.
- Add pasta and seasonings: Stir in the dry pasta, chopped tomatoes, fennel seeds, Italian herbs, chilli flakes, salt, pepper, and about 500 ml of the vegetable stock. Cover with a lid and cook for 13-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is nearly al dente and most liquid has been absorbed.
- Adjust liquid as needed: If the mixture looks dry, add more of the remaining stock during cooking. For a wetter sauce, add it all at the beginning.
- Add cheese and basil: Once the pasta is just about cooked through, stir in the cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil if using. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until warmed and creamy.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken sausages for pork sausages for a leaner version.
- Adding a splash of white wine during cooking can enhance the flavor.
- Use fresh basil for the best aroma and flavor, but dried can be used if fresh isn’t available.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 410g)
- Calories: 640 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
