Looking for a delicious and comforting pasta dish that is perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta recipe! With flavorful Italian sausage, creamy sauce, and a hint of spice, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and flavorful sauce that will have you coming back for seconds.
- This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner.
- The leftovers taste just as delicious the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.
Ingredient Notes:
- Rigatoni pasta: Provides a sturdy base for the creamy sauce to cling to.
- Mild Italian sausage: Adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the dish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Infuse the sauce with a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor to the dish.
- Baby spinach: Adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrients to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the Italian sausage until browned.
- Add diced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until onion is softened.
- Add butter and flour, stirring to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until thickened.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach until spinach is wilted.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Helpful Tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrients.
- Use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick of heat in the dish.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Make sure to season the dish generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta pairs well with a simple green salad and a glass of red wine for a complete meal. Garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables would also complement this dish nicely.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape in place of rigatoni. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. - Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, you can substitute with your preferred type of sausage for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is a simple yet delicious dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Give it a try and let us know how you liked it! Enjoy!
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Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a rich and creamy Italian sausage pasta dish that is bursting with flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan cheese. This recipe is perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- ¾ pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound mild Italian sausage
- ¾ cup small diced yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
- ½ teaspoon salt plus additional for cooking pasta
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1¾ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes packed in herbed olive oil, oil drained from an 8.5-ounce jar
- 1½ cups shredded parmesan cheese
- 3 cups lightly packed baby spinach from a 5-ounce container
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook rigatoni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Sausage Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until sausage is browned and onions are translucent.
- Make Cream Sauce: Add butter to the skillet and melt. Stir in flour until well combined. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Ingredients: Add sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, cooked pasta, and spinach to the skillet. Toss until everything is well coated and spinach is wilted.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- This pasta dish can be customized with your favorite vegetables or protein.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg