If you are craving a dish that combines luscious creaminess with bold, comforting flavors, this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender bowtie pasta perfectly coated in a silky, savory sauce made from Italian sausage, sun-ripened tomatoes, and rich heavy cream—every bite delivers a harmonious blend of spice, sweetness, and cheesy goodness that feels like a warm hug from an Italian Nonna herself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an important role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the spicy Italian sausage to the creamy parmesan and juicy tomatoes, every component is essential for achieving that irresistible balance.
- Bowtie pasta (8 oz): Its shape catches the sauce beautifully, making every bite deliciously coated.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Removing the casings lets it crumble and cook evenly, giving the dish its signature robust taste.
- Minced garlic (1 Tbsp): Adds aromatic depth and that classic Italian flavor punch.
- Dried minced onion flakes (1 Tbsp): Provides subtle sweetness and texture without overpowering the sauce.
- Whole tomatoes (28 oz can, chopped): Bring a fresh and slightly tangy component to balance the creaminess.
- Tomato paste (2 Tbsp): Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Italian seasoning (1 Tbsp): A fragrant blend of herbs that bind all the flavors together seamlessly.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): This is what makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and luxurious.
- Grated parmesan cheese (½ cup): Melts into the sauce, giving it a salty, nutty finish.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your bowtie pasta and cook it until just al dente, following the package instructions closely. The slight bite ensures it holds its shape and texture when mixed with the creamy sauce. Once done, drain and set aside, ready to soak up that glorious sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and crumble in the Italian sausage (without casings). Cook until all the pink disappears and the bits begin to brown, releasing those wonderful caramelized flavors. Drain any excess grease — this keeps your sauce rich but not greasy.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add minced garlic to the sausage and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in chopped tomatoes, dried minced onion flakes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning, stirring everything together. Pour in the heavy cream next, giving it a good stir, then let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld into a velvety dream.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now it’s time for the magic moment—add your cooked pasta and grated parmesan cheese directly into the sauce. Stir well so every bowtie is lavishly coated. Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. Let it simmer over medium-low heat for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt fully and the pasta to soak up all the creamy goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a burst of color and fresh, green notes that brighten the dish beautifully. A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top never hurts either if you want to go full indulgence mode.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta, while garlic bread or toasted baguette slices make perfect vehicles to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve the pasta in individual bowls lined with a fresh basil leaf and a twist of lemon zest to elevate the flavors. You can also bake the combined pasta in a casserole dish topped with mozzarella for a bubbly, golden crust that adds a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before storing, let it cool to room temperature to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the pasta in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Because of the cream, the texture may shift slightly, but reheating gently will help bring it back to life deliciously.
Reheating
For reheating, warm the pasta slowly on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and stir frequently to keep it creamy and smooth, just like the first time you made it.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is great for holding the sauce, penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are excellent alternatives that offer similar sauce absorption and texture contrasts.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and tofu for a richly flavored vegetarian version that still feels hearty and satisfying.
What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese to achieve a creamy texture, but keep in mind the sauce might be slightly less thick and luxurious.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes, you can cook the sauce and pasta separately in advance, then combine and reheat them just before serving to keep the pasta fresh and the sauce perfectly creamy.
How spicy is the sausage in this recipe?
That depends on the type of Italian sausage you buy. You can choose mild or spicy sausages to customize the heat level to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and bold Italian flavors to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, it’s a dish that never fails to impress and satisfy. Go ahead, give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pasta!
Print
Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring al dente bowtie pasta tossed in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with savory Italian sausage, garlic, and parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines hearty protein with a luscious, herb-infused sauce that you can easily prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
Sauce and Sausage
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 1 (28-oz) can whole tomatoes, chopped
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Cook Sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage with casings removed and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Prepare Sauce: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, dried minced onion flakes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well. Let the sauce simmer on medium heat until it thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm for a creamy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, although it may be less creamy.
- Make sure to drain the sausage grease well to prevent the sauce from becoming too oily.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley enhance the flavor and presentation but are optional.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
