Hello, food lovers! If you crave a hearty, creamy pasta with bold, savory flavor, this Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage is for you. It combines tender penne, well-seasoned Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and a velvety cheese sauce to deliver a comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknights or a special dinner.
Introduction
This Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage blends classic Italian flavors with an easy-to-follow method so you can get restaurant-quality results at home. The sauce is creamy without being heavy, balanced by tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of chicken broth to round out the sausage’s savory notes. It’s straightforward to prepare and makes a generous, satisfying main course.
Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this recipe scales well and can be customized by swapping sausage heat levels, trying different cheeses, or adding vegetables. Below you’ll find the ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, serving ideas, storage guidance, and answers to common questions.
Ingredients
To make this dish you will need:
- 12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup half and half or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage
Follow these steps for a creamy, flavorful pasta:
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside. - Brown the sausage:
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and brown, breaking it apart with a spatula, until no pink remains and the meat is nicely caramelized. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside. - Sauté aromatics and build the sauce:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom—those add deep flavor. Allow the broth to reduce slightly, about 3–5 minutes. - Add tomatoes and herbs:
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, oregano, basil, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 5–7 minutes so the flavors meld. - Finish the sauce with cream and cheese:
Reduce the heat and stir in the half and half or heavy cream. Cook 2–3 minutes until warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella until they melt and integrate into the sauce. - Toss and serve:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the rich sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Cook pasta al dente: Aim for a slight firmness so the noodles hold their shape when mixed with the sauce.
- Pick the right sausage: Choose a high-quality Italian sausage—mild, sweet, or spicy—based on your preference. The sausage is a main source of flavor, so pick one you enjoy.
- Deglaze for depth: Deglazing the pan with chicken broth after browning the sausage brings those caramelized bits into the sauce for richer flavor.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with fontina, aged gouda, or Pecorino Romano to change the profile and melt quality of the sauce.
- Pan size: Use a large skillet to give yourself room to toss the pasta and combine ingredients evenly.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy penne pairs nicely with:
- Garlic bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread complements the creamy sauce.
- Mixed green salad: A simple salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a bright vinaigrette helps cut the richness.
- Optional wine pairing: If you enjoy wine, a medium-bodied red such as Chianti or a fruit-forward Zinfandel complements the sausage and tomato notes.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per-serving nutrition (approximate):
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Calcium: 250 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to refresh the sauce. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between heating cycles to prevent separation.
Repurpose: Turn leftovers into a new meal by tossing with sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables, or mix with beaten eggs and bake for a pasta frittata.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different sausage?
Yes. Substitute turkey sausage, chorizo, or a plant-based sausage for different flavors or dietary needs. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use unsweetened dairy-free cream alternatives and vegan cheeses. The texture and flavor will differ slightly but remain enjoyable.
What can I use instead of half and half?
Whole milk or a combination of milk and a small amount of cream will work. For a lighter dish, unsweetened almond milk can be used, though the sauce will be less rich.
Conclusion
This Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage is an approachable, flavorful recipe that delivers comfort and satisfaction. It’s easy to customize and makes excellent leftovers. Try it for a cozy family dinner or an impressive weeknight meal. Enjoy—and happy cooking!
Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage
- Author: Patri