Go Back
–+ servings

Creamy Ground Sausage Pasta

A rich and creamy pasta dish with savory ground sausage, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 700 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Meat

  • 8 oz pasta (your choice) Any type of pasta works; adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • 1 lb ground sausage Can be substituted with turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage.

Creamy Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream Substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated is best; consider Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast as alternatives.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic enhances flavor.
  • 1 cup spinach (optional) Adds color and nutrients.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Adjust seasoning according to preference.
  • Olive oil For sautéing.

Instructions
 

Cooking the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Pro Tip: Adding salt to the water enhances the flavor of the pasta.

Sautéing Ingredients

  • In a large pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Pro Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
  • Add the ground sausage to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  • Pro Tip: If using spicy sausage, you can skip additional spices.

Making the Sauce

  • Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Pro Tip: Simmering too high can cause the cream to separate.
  • Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts and combines with the cream.
  • Pro Tip: For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer.
  • If using, add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

  • Toss the drained pasta with the creamy sausage mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
  • Pro Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water.

Serving the Dish

  • Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve warm.
  • Pro Tip: Finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for added flavor.

Notes

For storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently for best results.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 700kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!