Quick and Creamy Sausage and Pasta
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this **Quick and Creamy Sausage and Pasta**, a weeknight dinner hero that's ready in just 35 minutes! This rich and satisfying dish combines tender penne pasta with golden-brown Italian sausage, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce for the ultimate one-pan meal. A hint of garlic and optional red pepper flakes adds a burst of flavor, while fresh basil delivers a bright, herbaceous finish. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe requires minimal effort yet feels restaurant-worthy. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a crisp salad to complete this irresistible meal that's sure to become a family favorite.
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces penne or any short pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
Step 3
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 4
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they begin to soften and release their juices.
Step 5
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Lower the heat to medium and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 7
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 8
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1331.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2862.2 |
| Total Fat 202.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 94.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 600.2mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6234.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 115.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 6.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 4.3g | |
| Protein 114.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 623.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 9.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1476.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories