Ready for a hearty and comforting dinner that’s bursting with flavor? This Creamy Sausage Pasta is the ultimate weeknight winner! Featuring tender rigatoni, juicy Italian sausage, and a luscious sauce made with roasted red peppers, cream cheese, and Parmesan, it’s the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this one-pan recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive in!”

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Pasta :

• Flavor Explosion: A blend of Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce delivers a rich and satisfying dish.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to relax and enjoy!
• Versatile Ingredients: Swap spinach for kale, or use chicken broth instead of wine for a family-friendly version.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From weeknight dinners to casual gatherings, this recipe is always a hit.

Ingredients For Creamy Sausage Pasta :

For the Sauce

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Sausage, Peppers, and Pasta

• 1 lb. Italian sausage (hot or sweet)
• ½ cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay recommended)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 7 oz. jar roasted red peppers, drained (about 1 cup)
• 1 ½ cups fresh spinach (or kale)
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ lb. rigatoni pasta
• Fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, for garnish

Essential Tools

• Large, high-walled skillet
• Medium saucepan for pasta
• Silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Creamy Sausage Pasta :

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a large measuring cup or bowl with a spout, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and onion powder. Set aside.
2. Measure out and prep the remaining ingredients for smooth cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. Slice the sausage into ½-inch thick pieces.
2. Heat 6 tablespoons of water in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
3. Remove the lid, increase the heat slightly, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

1. Drain excess grease from the skillet, leaving the browned bits (these add flavor!).
2. Add the white wine, tomato paste, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan using a silicone spatula.
3. Let the mixture bubble gently over medium heat until it reduces by half, about 4 minutes.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

1. Stir in the prepared sauce mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
2. Add the roasted red peppers and stir in the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
3. Let the sauce simmer uncovered while you prepare the pasta.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

1. In a medium saucepan, bring salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni to al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

1. Reduce the sauce heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Add the spinach and cooked sausage (including any juices) to the sauce, stirring until the spinach wilts.
3. Gently toss the drained pasta into the sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or plates.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Creamy Sausage Pasta :

1. Choose the Right Wine: Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay works well. For an alcohol-free option, substitute chicken broth.
2. Cream Cheese Softening Hack: Soften cream cheese quickly by microwaving it for 15 seconds.
3. Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
4. Customize the Veggies: Swap spinach for kale or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
5. Serve Hot: This dish is best served immediately for the creamiest texture.

Creamy Sausage Pasta Variations :

• Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms and additional roasted red peppers.
• Spicy Twist: Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken or shrimp along with the sausage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :

Q: Can I make this pasta dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sausage ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before combining with freshly cooked pasta.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Penne, farfalle, or fettuccine work well in this recipe.

Serving, Storing, and Reheating Instructions :

• Serving: Serve this pasta with a side of crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

Please remember to SHARE on Facebook and PIN IT!

FOLLOW ME ON PINTEREST BY CLICKING HERE <——

★ If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and give it a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

Yield: 4

Creamy Sausage Pasta

Print

This Creamy Sausage Pasta is comfort food at its finest! With its rich flavors and velvety sauce, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Sauce:
• - 1 cup chicken broth
• - 1 cup heavy cream
• - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• - ½ tsp mustard powder
• - ½ tsp onion powder
• For the Sausage and Pasta:
• - 1 lb. Italian sausage (hot or sweet)
• - ½ cup dry white wine
• - 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• - 3 cloves garlic, minced
• - 7 oz. roasted red peppers, drained
• - 1 ½ cups fresh spinach
• - 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• - ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• - ½ lb. rigatoni pasta
• To Garnish:
• - Fresh parsley
• - Red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce by whisking together chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and onion powder. Set aside.
2. Slice sausage into ½-inch pieces. Cook in a skillet with 6 Tbsp water over medium heat for 10 minutes. Brown the sausage, then set aside.
3. Deglaze the skillet with white wine, tomato paste, and garlic. Let it reduce by half. Stir in the prepared sauce and cream cheese. Simmer.
4. Cook rigatoni to al dente. Drain.
5. Stir Parmesan, spinach, and sausage into the sauce. Add pasta and toss to combine.
6. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve warm.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

This Creamy Sausage Pasta is comfort food at its finest! With its rich flavors and velvety sauce, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!