Description
Indulge in the comforting delights of the Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Delight, a sumptuous dish featuring robust flavors of Italian sausage enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This recipe promises to deliver a heart-warming meal perfect for any day of the week, providing a gourmet experience with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 pound pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Prepare Pasta
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water prior to draining, then set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Cook Sausage
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it is browned and fully cooked through.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
To the skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the onion turns soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Create Cream Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Allow the cream to warm up before stirring in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melds into the cream, forming a smooth sauce.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add in the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves up to 6 people. The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet satisfying dinner.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Cool the pasta completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if necessary. Microwave reheating is also an option, though stirring halfway through is recommended to distribute heat evenly.
Conclusion
The Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Delight is not just a meal but a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a dish bursting with flavor and comfort. Whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual dining affair, this pasta dish is sure to satisfy cravings and leave everyone asking for more. Enjoy the creamy texture, spicy notes of sausage, and the fresh burst of basil with this delightful recipe.
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Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting delights of the Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Delight, a sumptuous dish featuring robust flavors of Italian sausage enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This recipe promises to deliver a heart-warming meal perfect for any day of the week, providing a gourmet experience with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 pound pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Pasta Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water prior to draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Step 2: Cook Sausage In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it is browned and fully cooked through.
- Step 3: Add Aromatics To the skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the onion turns soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Create Cream Sauce Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Allow the cream to warm up before stirring in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melds into the cream, forming a smooth sauce.
- Step 5: Combine and Serve Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add in the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil.