This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is my go-to when I want something hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. The creamy sauce, savory sausage, and tender pasta come together effortlessly in one pan for a family-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when I need to feed a hungry crowd.
If you need more quick weeknight dinners, try my Easy One Pot Lasagna Soup, Shrimp Scampi With Pasta, and Easy Cheesy Chili Mac.
In This Post
Creamy Sausage Pasta: Simple And Comforting
Here’s the question of the day: Is there anything more comforting than pasta in a creamy cheese sauce? While the answer may be debatable, it is one of my top 5 comfort food combos. And I have to say, you need this easy pasta recipe in your life! It’s loaded with flavor and downright delicious. Trust me, your family and friends will thank you for making it. It’s like a big hug in the form of food, which I’ll never pass up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big, wholesome flavors: Creamy sauce, savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and garlic come together for a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Quick and easy: This one-pan dish is perfect for busy nights, using everyday ingredients.
- Mediterranean-inspired goodness: Olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan bring vibrant Italian flavors to every bite.
Italian Sausage Pasta Ingredients
- I like to use sweet ground Italian sausage to pack in more flavor for less work.
- White or yellow onions and garlic get sauteed in olive oil.
- To make the sauce, you’ll need half and half, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese, all added to the sauteed veggies.
- Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt are the only seasonings you’ll need. You can use rosemary and thyme if you don’t have the seasoning blend.
- To finish the pasta, I add canned diced tomatoes and fresh spinach.
- Rigatoni pasta has the perfect shape and texture to hold the yummy sauce, but penne pasta or bowties can also be used.
What’s The Best Type Of Sausage To Use?
This is where you can get creative! There are several different types of sausage that you can find at the meat counter in the grocery store. Here are a few options you might want to think about:
- Spicy or hot Italian sausage
- Chicken sausage
- Breakfast pork sausage
- Chorizo – make sure to remove the sausage from its casing before cooking for this recipe.
Recipe Variations
- Dairy Alternatives: Dairy substitutions are easy. You can use heavy cream or milk if needed.
- Go Gluten-free: Substitute the rigatoni with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Add Cream Cheese: For extra richness, add 4 ounces of cream cheese.
- Add More Veggies: Try red bell pepper, mushrooms, broccoli, or asparagus for crunch and texture.
Step By Step Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Follow the package instructions, drain the pasta, and set it aside. While you’re at it, be sure to drain those diced tomatoes, too.
- Cook the Sausage and Onion: In a large skillet, sauté the sausage and onion over medium heat until browned. Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel. Next, toss in the garlic and let it cook for just a minute to release all that wonderful aroma.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts down.
- Bring it All Together: Add the sausage and onions back to the pan along with the cooked pasta. Give it all a good stir and cook on low for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh parsley, and you’ve got a delicious pasta ready to serve!
How Do I Reheat Creamy Pasta?
I like to reheat leftovers either in the microwave or on the stovetop. To keep the tender pasta from sticking together, add a little milk or water, stir, then heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While penne, fettuccine, and rigatoni are commonly used for creamy Italian sausage pasta, you can use any pasta shape you like. Spaghetti, farfalle (bowtie pasta), or shells are great alternatives. Choose a shape that holds the sauce well and complements the other ingredients.
If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
When I serve creamy Italian pasta, I love to pair it with a fresh Everyday Green Salad or a Tomato Cucumber Salad. If side salads aren’t your thing, you can also pair it with Air Fryer Green Beans or Easy Roasted Broccoli. And you can’t forget the bread! Enjoy Zucchini Cheese Quick Bread, Garlic Knots or Parmesan Cheese Straws alongside dinner.
More Easy Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
If you tried this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound sweet ground Italian sausage
- 1 small chopped onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 ½ cups Half and Half
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 14.5 ounce can petite dices tomatoes – drained
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the box directions, drain and set aside. Drain the petite diced tomatoes.
- Cook the sausage and onion in a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Remove the sausage mixture to a plate then, add the fresh garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute.
- Make the white sauce by adding the Half and Half, chicken stock, and Parmesan cheese to the garlic. Stir and turn the heat down to low, allowing the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes, salt, Italian seasoning, chopped tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach has wilted.
- Add in the sausage and onions, along with the pasta noodles. Stir, and cook on low for 5 minutes. Sprinkle on Parmesan cheese and a little fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Dairy Alternatives: Dairy substitutions are easy. You can use heavy cream or milk if needed.
- Go Gluten-free: Substitute the rigatoni with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Add Cream Cheese: For extra richness, add 4 ounces of cream cheese.
- Add More Veggies: Try red bell pepper, mushrooms, broccoli, or asparagus for crunch and texture.
Nutrition
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Wendy
BANG ON!
Right on! Thanks.
~Donya
Donna
Can you make a smaller batch of this? Would you half all ingredients?
That will work. Enjoy.
~Donya
Sally mccoy
This was very good! Will make again for sure. Pretty simple to make also especially if you prep ahead of time
Thanks, Sally.
Peggy Brown
Oh my word…your Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta was divine! And may I add that your recipe serves a hearty six servings. The first night we ate it with a package of store bought Caesar salad and the next night with my roasted Brussels sprouts….mmm mmm! Thanks for sharing!!!
Donya
Hey there Peggy!
Wow! I am thrilled to hear that y’all enjoyed this recipe, it’s definitely a great comfort food meal! If you enjoyed this recipe, you should check out my Pasta Carbonara Recipe, it’s just as simple to make and the flavors are incredible, I’d love to hear what you think of it! Thank you so much for your sweet words and for all your support, let me know if you ever have any questions, I’m always happy to help!
~Donya
Sheila
Girl…Do you ever post a BAD recipe? Have tried several of yours and they ARE ALL GOOD! My husband is a picky eater and I’ve not found one that he doesn’t like!!! Thank you and keep up the good work…for our sakes!!
Donya
Hey there Sheila!
My goodness, I am so happy to hear that you and your husband have been enjoying my recipes! If you enjoyed this dish, you should check out my Chicken Alfredo Bake recipe, it’s just simple to make and the flavors are so warm and comforting. Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate your support! Let me know if you ever have any questions, I’m always happy to help!
~Donya
Christine
Donya, can I omit the cheese? We don’t eat cheese. Help!
Hey Christine!
You sure can. Make sure to taste and adjust any seasoning because the Parm does give it some flavor. Let me know how you like it. It’s Rob’s new favorite pasta dish. 😉
~Donya