20 Delicious Sausage Pasta Recipes with Creamy Twist

Ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? These 20 sausage pasta recipes with a creamy twist bring comfort food to new heights—perfect for cozy family meals or impressing guests without the fuss. From quick skillet dishes to indulgent baked pastas, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to satisfy those cravings. Let’s dive into these delicious, easy-to-make dishes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen!

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Unlock the secrets of restaurant-quality pasta with this comforting Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta. Understanding each step ensures you’ll create a perfectly balanced dish that combines savory sausage with a rich, creamy sauce. Using this methodical approach guarantees success even for your first attempt.

Ingredients

• For the pasta base: 1 lb Italian sausage, 8 oz penne pasta, 1 tbsp olive oil
• For the vegetable sauté: 1 medium onion (diced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• For the sauce: 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
• For finishing: 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

1. Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water.
3. Cook 8 ounces of penne pasta for 9 minutes until al dente.
4. Drain the pasta completely, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
5. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
6. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
7. Cook the sausage for 8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
8. Remove the sausage from the skillet using a slotted spoon.
9. Add the diced onion to the same skillet and cook for 4 minutes until translucent.
10. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
11. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
12. Pour 2 cups of heavy cream into the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
13. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
14. Whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted.
15. Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
16. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
17. Add 2 cups of fresh spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
18. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly.
19. If the sauce is too thick, add 2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Buttery, creamy sauce clings perfectly to each pasta tube while the sun-dried tomatoes provide bursts of sweet tanginess. Serve this immediately in shallow bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a restaurant-worthy presentation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta

Zesty and satisfying, this one-pot creamy sausage pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup. Follow these methodical steps to create a perfectly balanced dish where the pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors. You’ll appreciate how each ingredient contributes to the final comforting result.

Ingredients

– For browning: 1 lb Italian sausage, 1 tbsp olive oil
– For aromatics: 1 medium yellow onion (diced), 3 garlic cloves (minced)
– For cooking liquid: 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream
– For pasta: 12 oz penne pasta
– For finishing: 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until shimmering.
2. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon as it browns for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains.
3. Stir in 1 diced medium yellow onion and cook for 4 minutes until translucent and softened.
4. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil over high heat.
6. Add 12 ounces of penne pasta, stirring to ensure all noodles are submerged in the liquid.
7. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12 minutes, stirring every 4 minutes to prevent sticking.
8. Uncover and stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach, cooking for 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted completely.
9. Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
10. Let the pasta rest for 3 minutes off heat to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.

The finished pasta boasts a luxuriously creamy texture that clings perfectly to each penne noodle, while the savory sausage and fresh spinach create wonderful flavor contrasts. For an elegant presentation, garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves, or serve alongside garlic bread to soak up every bit of the rich sauce.

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

You’ve probably had those busy weeknights where you want something comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This creamy Cajun sausage pasta comes together in under 30 minutes yet delivers restaurant-quality flavor that will make you feel like a pro. Let me walk you through each step methodically so you can create this satisfying dish with confidence.

Ingredients

– For the pasta: 8 ounces penne pasta, 1 teaspoon salt
– For cooking: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound Andouille sausage (sliced into ½-inch rounds), 1 medium yellow onion (diced), 1 red bell pepper (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
– For the sauce: 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup chicken broth, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
2. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 8 ounces penne pasta to the boiling water.
3. Cook the pasta for 9-11 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Drain the pasta in a colander while reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
5. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
6. Add 1 pound sliced Andouille sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned on both sides.
7. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
8. Add 1 diced yellow onion and 1 diced red bell pepper to the same skillet.
9. Sauté the vegetables for 5-6 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
10. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
11. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly.
12. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup chicken broth, stirring to combine.
13. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
14. Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
15. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the drained pasta.
16. Toss everything together until well coated, adding reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
17. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

Each bite delivers a wonderful contrast between the tender pasta and slightly crisp vegetables, while the creamy sauce beautifully balances the spicy kick from the Cajun seasoning. Experiment with serving this pasta in shallow bowls topped with extra Parmesan, or pair it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that luxurious sauce.

Smoked Sausage and Spinach Cream Pasta

Unquestionably, this smoked sausage and spinach cream pasta delivers restaurant-quality comfort with minimal fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying yet straightforward to prepare. Using just one pot and common ingredients, this method ensures creamy, flavorful results every time while keeping cleanup simple. Follow these precise steps to create a dish that balances smoky richness with fresh, vibrant greens in a velvety sauce.

Ingredients

– For the pasta and sausage: 8 ounces dried penne pasta, 12 ounces smoked sausage (sliced into ¼-inch rounds), 1 tablespoon olive oil
– For the aromatics and spinach: ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 5 ounces fresh spinach
– For the sauce: 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 1 minute.
2. Add 12 ounces sliced smoked sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on both sides, approximately 4–5 minutes total.
3. Tip: Render the sausage fat fully for deeper flavor by ensuring the slices develop a golden-brown crust before proceeding.
4. Reduce heat to medium, add ½ cup chopped onion, and sauté until translucent and soft, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, 30–45 seconds, to avoid burning.
6. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
7. Add 8 ounces dried penne pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged, and simmer uncovered for 12 minutes, stirring every 3–4 minutes to cook evenly.
8. Tip: Test pasta doneness by tasting a piece—it should be al dente, tender but with a slight bite, before adding greens.
9. Fold in 5 ounces fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1–2 minutes, to retain its bright color and nutrients.
10. Remove skillet from heat and stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until the sauce is smooth and cohesive.
11. Tip: Let the pasta rest off heat for 2 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the pasta.

Zesty, creamy, and deeply savory, this pasta boasts a velvety texture that clings to each noodle, with the smoked sausage adding a smoky depth that contrasts beautifully with the fresh spinach. For a creative twist, top it with toasted breadcrumbs or serve alongside a crisp green salad to cut through the richness, making it a versatile centerpiece for any meal.

Instant Pot Creamy Sausage and Tomato Pasta

Keeping weeknight dinners simple yet satisfying is every home cook’s goal, and this Instant Pot recipe delivers exactly that with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Knowing how to layer ingredients properly in your pressure cooker ensures perfect pasta every single time.

Ingredients

For the base layer:

– 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 medium yellow onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the liquid and pasta:

– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 lb penne pasta

For the creamy finish:

– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1. Select the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot and wait until the display reads “Hot” (about 2 minutes).
2. Add the Italian sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon until no pink remains.
3. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Add the penne pasta, spreading it evenly across the liquid without stirring.
7. Pour the diced tomatoes with their juices over the pasta without stirring.
8. Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and pressure cook on High for 5 minutes.
9. When cooking completes, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to “Venting” until the float valve drops.
10. Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated.
11. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
12. Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving.

Gorgeously creamy with a perfect al dente texture, this pasta balances rich sausage flavor with bright tomato notes. The Parmesan creates a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every noodle. For an elegant twist, serve it in shallow bowls topped with extra basil and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.

Creamy Sausage and Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Many home cooks find pasta dishes intimidating, but this creamy sausage and roasted red pepper pasta breaks down into simple, manageable steps that build flavor systematically. Mastering this recipe will give you confidence in layering ingredients and creating restaurant-quality meals at home.

Ingredients

For the pasta and sausage

– 12 ounces dried penne pasta
– 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the sauce base

– 1 medium yellow onion, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
– 1/2 cup dry white wine

For the creamy finish

– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Add 12 ounces of penne pasta to the boiling water and cook for exactly 9 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage to the hot oil, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.
5. Cook sausage for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring frequently for even browning.
6. Remove cooked sausage from skillet with a slotted spoon, leaving 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pan.
7. Add diced onion to the sausage drippings and cook for 4 minutes until translucent and softened.
8. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
9. Add chopped roasted red peppers and cook for 2 minutes to warm through.
10. Pour in 1/2 cup white wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
11. Simmer the wine mixture for 3 minutes until reduced by half.
12. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in 1 cup heavy cream.
13. Simmer the cream sauce gently for 4 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
14. Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
15. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
16. Return drained pasta to the empty pot off the heat.
17. Add the cooked sausage back to the cream sauce in the skillet.
18. Pour the sausage and sauce mixture over the pasta in the pot.
19. Add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and toss everything together.
20. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Creamy textures dominate this dish, with the rich sausage balancing the sweet roasted peppers beautifully. Consider serving it in shallow bowls topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for visual appeal. The slight heat from the sausage makes this pasta equally satisfying for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Creamy Italian Sausage Bowtie Pasta

Unquestionably, this creamy Italian sausage bowtie pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and sophisticated. Using just one pot and simple ingredients, you’ll create a restaurant-quality meal that will become a family favorite in no time. Follow these steps carefully for perfect results every time.

Ingredients

For Cooking the Pasta

– 1 pound bowtie pasta
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 8 cups water

For the Sausage and Sauce

– 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 medium yellow onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot over high heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water.
3. Add 1 pound of bowtie pasta to the boiling water and cook for 11 minutes exactly.
4. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage to the hot skillet, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
6. Cook the sausage for 6-8 minutes until it turns golden brown and is cooked through.
7. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet with a slotted spoon, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
8. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 4 minutes until translucent.
9. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
10. Pour 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
11. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
12. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
13. Return the drained pasta to the empty pot.
14. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet with the cream sauce.
15. Pour the sausage and cream sauce over the cooked pasta in the pot.
16. Add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the pot.
17. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce.
18. Add more reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
19. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
20. Serve immediately while hot.

Finally, this pasta delivers a wonderful contrast of textures with tender bowties and crispy sausage bits swimming in a velvety cream sauce. The rich Parmesan flavor balances beautifully with the slight spice from the Italian sausage, creating a deeply satisfying meal. For an elegant presentation, garnish with extra parsley and serve with garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce.

Creamy Garlic Sausage and Mushroom Pasta

Understanding how to build layers of flavor is key to creating restaurant-quality pasta at home. Using just a few quality ingredients, we’ll create a creamy, savory sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle. This methodical approach ensures even beginners can achieve delicious results every time.

Ingredients

• For the pasta base:
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• For the main components:
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced ¼-inch thick
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the creamy sauce:
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot over high heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt to the boiling water, then add 12 ounces penne pasta.
3. Cook the pasta for 9 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the cooked pasta.
5. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
6. Add 1 pound Italian sausage to the hot oil, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
7. Cook the sausage for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring frequently.
8. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate using a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
9. Add 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms to the same skillet and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown.
10. Stir in 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
11. Pour 1 cup heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
12. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
13. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet along with the drained pasta.
14. Gradually add reserved pasta water, ¼ cup at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
15. Stir in 1 teaspoon black pepper and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
16. Serve immediately while hot. Here the creamy sauce coats each pasta tube beautifully, while the savory sausage and earthy mushrooms create a satisfying depth of flavor. Consider topping with extra Parmesan and serving alongside garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the luxurious sauce.

Sausage and Creamy Pesto Pasta

Oftentimes, the most satisfying weeknight dinners are those that come together quickly yet deliver restaurant-quality flavors. Our sausage and creamy pesto pasta achieves exactly that balance, combining savory Italian sausage with a luxuriously smooth pesto cream sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly.

Ingredients

For the pasta:
– 1 pound dried fettuccine
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt

For the sausage and vegetables:
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 medium yellow onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the creamy pesto sauce:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt to the boiling water.
3. Add 1 pound dried fettuccine to the salted water and cook for 9-11 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add 1 pound sweet Italian sausage to the hot skillet, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
6. Cook sausage for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring frequently.
7. Remove cooked sausage from skillet with a slotted spoon, leaving 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pan.
8. Add 1 diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent and softened.
9. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
10. Pour 1 cup heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
11. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto until fully incorporated.
12. Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
13. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
14. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sauce.
15. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
16. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Delightfully creamy with pops of savory sausage in every bite, this pasta offers a perfect balance of rich and fresh flavors. The pesto cream sauce clings beautifully to the fettuccine’s ridges, while the caramelized onions add subtle sweetness that complements the herbaceous notes. For an elegant presentation, garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves, or serve alongside garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the luxurious sauce.

Creamy Lemon and Sausage Penne

Nothing beats a comforting pasta dish that comes together quickly on busy weeknights. Now you can create this creamy lemon and sausage penne that balances rich, savory flavors with bright citrus notes perfectly. Let me walk you through each step methodically so you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients

• For the pasta:
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 8 cups water
• For cooking the sausage:
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the sauce:
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot over high heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water, which helps season the pasta from within.
3. Cook 12 ounces of penne pasta in the salted water for 9-11 minutes until al dente, checking at 9 minutes for doneness.
4. Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
5. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute until shimmering.
6. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage to the hot skillet, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
7. Cook the sausage for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through with no pink remaining.
8. Reduce the heat to medium and pour 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet with the sausage.
9. Simmer the cream for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens and bubbles form around the edges.
10. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
11. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce, stirring to combine.
12. Season the sauce with 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt, adjusting if needed.
13. Add the drained penne to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce.
14. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Fresh from the skillet, this pasta delivers a wonderful contrast between the creamy, cheesy sauce and the bright lemon notes that cut through the richness. For an elegant presentation, garnish with extra lemon zest and serve immediately while the sauce remains luxuriously smooth and coating each penne tube perfectly.

Baked Creamy Sausage Alfredo Pasta

Often, the most comforting meals are those that come together with minimal fuss but deliver maximum creamy satisfaction. Our baked creamy sausage Alfredo pasta achieves just that—a rich, cheesy dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for gatherings. Let’s walk through each step to ensure your pasta turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

– For the pasta: 12 oz penne pasta, 1 tbsp salt
– For the sausage and base: 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed), 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– For the Alfredo sauce: 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– For topping: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s ready for baking later.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat, then stir in 1 tbsp salt and 12 oz penne pasta.
3. Cook the pasta for 9–11 minutes until al dente (firm to the bite), then drain it thoroughly—this prevents a watery sauce.
4. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon until browned.
6. Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
7. Pour 2 cups heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
8. Gradually whisk in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
9. Add 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg, stirring until the cheeses melt fully.
10. Combine the drained pasta and sausage Alfredo sauce in the skillet, tossing to coat evenly.
11. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
12. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
13. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly.
14. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Beyond its golden, crispy topping, this pasta boasts a velvety Alfredo sauce that clings to every noodle, with savory sausage adding a hearty depth. For a fresh twist, serve it alongside a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Leftovers reheat beautifully—just cover with foil and warm at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.

Creamy Sausage and Sundried Tomato Fusilli

Getting dinner on the table doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you have this creamy sausage and sundried tomato fusilli recipe in your back pocket. Gather your ingredients and follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-worthy pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the pasta:
– 12 oz fusilli pasta
– 1 tbsp salt

For the sauce:
– 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 medium yellow onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water.
3. Add 12 ounces of fusilli pasta to the boiling water and cook for 9-11 minutes until al dente.
4. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
6. Cook sausage for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove sausage from skillet with a slotted spoon, leaving 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
8. Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
9. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
10. Add chopped sundried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to warm through.
11. Pour 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
12. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
13. Add 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the sauce.
14. Return cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
15. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
16. Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
17. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Done right, this pasta delivers a perfect balance of creamy richness from the Parmesan-laced sauce against the savory sausage and tangy sundried tomatoes. The fusilli’s spiral shape catches every bit of the luxurious sauce, making each bite more satisfying than the last. Consider topping with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finish that elevates this comforting weeknight meal.

Spicy Creamy Sausage Arrabbiata

Knowing how to transform simple ingredients into a comforting, spicy pasta dish can elevate your weeknight cooking game. Keep reading as I guide you through creating this Spicy Creamy Sausage Arrabbiata with clear, methodical steps perfect for beginners.

Ingredients

For the sausage and aromatics:

• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the sauce:

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup dry red wine
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt

For serving:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage to the hot skillet, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.
4. Cook the sausage for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
6. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Pour in 1/4 cup of dry red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
8. Simmer the wine for 2 minutes until reduced by half.
9. Add the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the skillet.
10. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
11. Meanwhile, add 12 ounces of penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente.
12. Stir 1/2 cup of heavy cream into the sauce until fully incorporated.
13. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
14. Add the drained pasta to the sauce along with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water.
15. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce.
16. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.

Creamy with just the right amount of heat, this dish balances the spicy tomato base with rich sausage and velvety cream. The penne perfectly captures the sauce in its tubes, creating a satisfying texture with every bite. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce, or top with extra red pepper flakes for those who prefer more heat.

Conclusion

Kick your weeknight dinners up a notch with these 20 irresistible sausage pasta recipes! Each dish brings a creamy, comforting twist that’s sure to become a family favorite. We’d love to hear which recipe you try first—drop a comment with your top pick and don’t forget to share this roundup on Pinterest to spread the pasta love!