Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is one of those easy weeknight dinners my family never gets tired of. Loaded with savory sausage and creamy marinara sauce, it’s a meal that has everyone asking for seconds!

You’d think that with just one teen left in the house this year, life would slow down. But Keira wants to join every club and do every activity known to man, so weeknights are sometimes a busy blur.

That’s why I’m always looking for easy dinners, and this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is just that. It’s made with only five main ingredients, and the sausage, marinara, and a splash of heavy cream turn into a rich sauce that coats every piece of penne.

Here’s the bonus: it’s also a great recipe for kids who are learning to cook. Keira loves being in the kitchen, and at 14, she finds the steps easy to follow. Even younger kids can join in the fun, with a grownup helping at the stove!

Ingredients

• Penne pasta: The ridges and tubes hold onto all that creamy sauce. Cook it until al dente so it stays tender after tossing.
• Sweet Italian sausage: This is the flavor base of the whole dish. Hot Italian sausage works too, or use half sweet and half spicy.
• Marinara sauce: Gives the sauce its rich tomato flavor, so choose your favorite brand.
• Heavy cream: Turns the marinara into a smooth, creamy sauce. Half-and-half works if you’d like it a little lighter.
• Garlic: Cooks in about a minute and gives the sauce that savory garlic flavor.
• Italian seasoning and black pepper: A little goes a long way to round out the flavors.
• Parmesan cheese: Finely grated Parmesan melts right into the sauce. I always like to save a little extra for sprinkling on top.
• Fresh parsley: Optional, but it adds a nice pop of color at the end.

How To Make Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

Step 1. Cook the penne in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (follow the package directions). Scoop out 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining and set aside.

Step 2. While the pasta cooks, brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks, about 7–9 minutes, until it’s cooked through.

Step 3. Turn the heat down to medium and add the garlic, stirring for 30 to 60 seconds.

Step 4. Stir in the marinara, Italian seasoning and black pepper. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5. Turn the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until it’s heated through. Don’t let it boil…you want the sauce to stay smooth.

Step 6. Slowly stir in the Parmesan until it melts into the sauce.

Step 7. Add the pasta and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until you get the consistency you like.

Step 8. Taste and add salt if needed. Serve topped with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Variations And Add-ins

Sometimes I’ll switch up this recipe depending on what I have on hand. Here are a few delicious ways to make it your own.

• Spicier sausage: Swap the sweet Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage, or use half of each.
• Extra cheesy: Stir in an extra 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese before adding the pasta.
• Add spinach: Stir in 3 to 4 cups of fresh baby spinach after the cream and cook until it wilts. You can also try adding other veggies like mushrooms, diced bell peppers or zucchini. It’s the best way to get your kids to eat their veggies without complaining!
• Lighter sauce: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The sauce will be a little less rich but still creamy.

Tips & Tricks

After making this pasta more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks that help make the sauce turn out right every time.

• Brown the sausage well: Be sure it’s golden before adding the garlic. The browned bits add lots of flavor to the sauce.
• Keep the heat low after adding the cream: Once the cream goes in, don’t let the sauce boil. Lower heat keeps it smooth.
• Save some pasta water: Scoop out 1/2 cup before draining. If the sauce gets too thick, you can stir in a splash or two until it’s just right.
• Taste before adding salt: The sausage, marinara, and Parmesan all add saltiness, so taste it first and season only if needed.

More Easy Dinner Recipes

Looking for more easy weeknight meals? These are favorites in my house.

• Honey Garlic Chicken
• Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs
• Tuna Casserole
• Lipton French Onion Meatloaf
• Oven Baked Drumsticks
• 30 Minute Potato Soup