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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage, a delicious and easy dinner recipe, is featured in this appetizing close-up image.

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
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.