Go Back
+ servings
Italian Sausage Pasta

Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta combines savory sausage with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, creating a cozy weeknight meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Rigatoni Substitute penne or ziti if desired.
For the Meat
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Swap for chicken sausage for a lighter option.
For the Veggies
  • 1 medium Onion Shallots can be used for a milder taste.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Freshly minced garlic is always best.
  • 1 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Fresh Roma tomatoes are a good alternative.
  • 4 cups Baby Spinach Kale or Swiss chard can serve as delicious substitutes.
For the Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Marjoram Thyme is a suitable substitute.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Rosemary Feel free to omit or substitute with Italian seasoning.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Fresh thyme works well too, just double the amount.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust or omit for a milder flavor.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth makes for a great vegetarian alternative.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Grana Padano or pecorino are excellent substitutes.

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • pot
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned. Once the sausage is nearly cooked through, toss in the diced onion to soften.
  2. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic along with the dried marjoram, cracked black pepper, crushed rosemary, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir well, cooking for another minute until fragrant, then remove the sausage mixture from the pan and set it aside.
  3. In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil, then add the rigatoni. Cook until al dente, about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once ready, drain the pasta and reserve a cup of the pasta water.
  4. Using the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil over medium heat, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Once boiling, stir in the heavy cream and simmer until it thickens slightly.
  5. Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts.
  6. Return the cooked sausage and drained rigatoni to the skillet, tossing everything together until evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Heat through for another 2–3 minutes, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in airtight bags or containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw and gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!