CREAMY SAUSAGE PARMESAN DREAM

Tired of weeknight dinners that take forever and taste…meh? Picture this: a creamy, dreamy sauce coating savory Italian sausage, all nestled with perfectly cooked pasta and bursting with Parmesan goodness. This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage – Easy Dinner! is about to become your new go-to recipe, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Get ready for a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes – yes, really!

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this flavor explosion. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

For the Creamy Sausage Base:

• Italian Sausage: 1 pound, removed from casings (I prefer sweet Italian, but spicy works great too!).
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for browning the sausage.
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (or use garlic powder in a pinch!).
• Dry White Wine (optional): 1/4 cup (adds depth of flavor, but broth works too!).
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated (trust me, it makes a difference!).
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

For the Pasta:

• Pasta: 1 pound (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape!).
• Reserved Pasta Water: 1/2 cup (this is key to a creamy sauce!).

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for a pop of freshness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For a little heat.

Step-by-Step to Sausage Parmesan Perfection

Let’s get cooking! I’ll walk you through each step to make sure you achieve creamy, cheesy, sausage-y bliss.

Browning the Sausage:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage (removed from casings) to the skillet and break it up with a spoon.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease. Don’t skip this step! Browning the sausage is where so much flavor comes from.

Building the Flavor Base:

4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
6. (Optional) Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This is called deglazing, and it adds a TON of flavor. Let it simmer for a minute or two until the wine has mostly evaporated.

Creating the Creamy Sauce:

7. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
8. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Putting it All Together:

11. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions. Make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining!
12. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the sausage and creamy sauce.
13. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. This is my secret weapon for extra creamy pasta dishes!

Serving and Enjoying:

14. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if desired).
15. Get ready for happy faces around the dinner table!

Why I Love This Creamy Sausage Parmesan Recipe

Besides being incredibly delicious, this recipe has a few things going for it that make it a winner in my book:

• It’s FAST: Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.
• It’s Customizable: Don’t like Italian sausage? Use ground beef or chicken. Want more veggies? Add some spinach or mushrooms. The possibilities are endless!
• It’s Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this creamy, cheesy pasta dish.
• It’s Impressive: This recipe is so simple, yet it tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. Perfect for impressing guests!

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Sausage Parmesan Ever

Here are a few extra tips to help you take this recipe to the next level:

• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly and create a gritty texture. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won’t hold the sauce as well. Cook the pasta al dente (slightly firm to the bite) for the best results.
• Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to thicken the sauce and create a creamy emulsion. Don’t skip this step!
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning.
• Add a Touch of Heat: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or garnish with a sprinkle before serving.

Variations to Make it Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so versatile. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Vegetables: Sauté some spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the onion and garlic for a boost of nutrients and flavor.
• Use Different Sausage: Try using spicy Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.
• Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy sweetness.
• Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
• Add a Splash of Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end will brighten up the flavors and add a touch of acidity.

More Pasta Perfection to Explore!

If you’re a pasta lover like me, you’re always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes. Check out these other delicious pasta dishes that are sure to become family favorites.

• Craving a light and flavorful meal? Try this GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Looking for a hearty and satisfying dish? CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA offers rich flavors and textures.
• For a quick and delicious dinner, CREAMY CHICKEN PASTA is a must-try, offering a comforting and creamy experience.
• If you enjoy pork, you might also enjoy GARLIC PARMESAN PORK PERFECTION.
• If you’re after something different try out SAUSAGE CABBAGE STIR-FRY for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
• Finally, you might enjoy GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PERFECTION.

Get Ready to Dig In!

There you have it – my foolproof recipe for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. Trust me, you’ve got this! Enjoy!

Creamy Sausage Parmesan Dream

This Creamy Sausage Parmesan Dream is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor. Savory Italian sausage is coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce and served with perfectly cooked pasta for a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine optional
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite shape
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• Fresh parsley, chopped optional garnish
• Red pepper flakes optional garnish

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Large pot
• Colander
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Grater
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage (removed from casings) to the skillet and break it up with a spoon.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
6. (Optional) Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for a minute or two until the wine has mostly evaporated.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
8. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
11. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions. Make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining!
12. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the sausage and creamy sauce.
13. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
14. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if desired).

Notes

For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Reserve pasta water – it’s a secret weapon for creamy pasta sauces! Adjust the seasoning to your liking and don’t be afraid to add extra salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.