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Home » Blog » Recipes » Main Dish

Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

by Donya Mullins 8 Comments This post may contain affiliate links.

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This post may contain affiliate links.

This Italian Sausage Pasta recipe is creamy, rich, and loaded with savory flavor! It’s a hearty one-pot meal that is easy to prepare and great for a weeknight or when you’ve got a lot of hungry folks to feed.

Here’s the question of the day: Is there anything more comforting than pasta in a creamy cheese sauce? While the answer may not be a resounding YES, it is one of my top 5 comfort food combos.

Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is a recipe you need in your life. It’s simple, comforting, and downright delicious. Trust me, your family and friends will thank you profusely for making it.

For a fresh twist on this one-pot wonder, I’ve added fresh spinach and diced tomatoes to my creamy sausage pasta recipe. It’s kind of like a big hug in the form of food, which of course, I’ll never pass up.

In This Post You’ll Find:

  • Ingredients Needed For This Recipe
  • What Type Of Sausage Is Best For This Dish?
  • How To Make Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
  • Substitutions For This Recipe
  • What To Serve Alongside Italian Sausage Pasta
  • How Do I Reheat Creamy Pasta?
  • 5 Easy Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
Italian sausage cooked with sausage in a large skillet for Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta.

Ingredients Needed For This Recipe

  • Italian Sausage – I like to use sweet ground sausage.
  • Olive Oil
  • Onion
  • Half and Half
  • Chicken Broth
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Canned Diced Tomatoes
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Fresh Spinach
  • Italian Seasoning
  • Red Pepper Flakes
  • Salt
  • Rigatoni Pasta

Scroll down for the ingredient measurements and full instructions.

What Type Of Sausage Is Best For This Dish?

This is where you can get creative! There are several different types of sausage that you can use. I prefer ground sweet Italian sausage. You can find it in the pork section at the meat counter in the grocery store. Here are a few other 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.
Cream sauce with tomatoes and fresh spinach in a large pan prepped for Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta.

How To Make Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

This easy-to-make recipe comes together in about 30 minutes in just one pot.

  1. Cook the pasta according to the box directions, drain and set aside. Drain the petite diced tomatoes.
  2. Cook the sausage and onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage mixture to a plate.
  3. Add the fresh garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Make the white sauce and allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes. Add in the red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, chopped tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach has wilted.
  5. 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, then your pasta dish is ready!

Substitutions For This Recipe

  • Dairy substitutions are easy. You can use heavy cream or milk if needed.
  • Use whatever kind of pasta you like. Penne, bow tie, and ziti are all excellent choices.
  • Add more veggies like red bell pepper, broccoli, or asparagus for crunch and texture.

What To Serve Alongside Italian Sausage Pasta

Everyday Green Salad

Zucchini Cheese Quick Bread

Easy Roasted Broccoli

Air Fryer Green Beans

Tomato Cucumber Salad

Antipasto Skewers

If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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.

5 Easy Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

  • Mediterranean Pasta Salad
  • Easy Baked Spaghetti
  • Caprese Pasta Salad
  • Creamy Baked Fettuccine
  • Italian Sausage Ravioli Casserole
Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta with parmesan, tomatoes and fresh spinach is a family favorite comfort meal made in 30 minutes.
5 from 1 vote

Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

Author: Donya Mullins
Course: Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Print Pin Rate
This Italian Sausage Pasta recipe is creamy, rich, and loaded with savory flavor! It's a hearty one-pot meal that is easy to prepare and great for a weeknight or when you've got a lot of hungry folks to feed.

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

For Leftovers:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
Add pasta along with a tablespoon or two of water or milk. Stir and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta with parmesan, tomatoes and fresh spinach is a family favorite comfort meal made in 30 minutes.
Did you make my Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta?I’d love to see! Share on Instagram, tag @asouthernsoul, and use the hashtag #asouthernsoul!
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Donya with A Southern Soul

Meet A Southern Soul

Hey, there! I’m Donya and welcome to A Southern Soul. I love to cook and entertain with easy to make recipes and simple ideas that make people feel special. Read More

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  1. Sally mccoy

    December 6, 2022 at 4:57 pm

    This was very good! Will make again for sure. Pretty simple to make also especially if you prep ahead of time

    Reply
    • Donya Mullins

      December 7, 2022 at 4:56 pm

      Thanks, Sally.

      Reply
  2. Peggy Brown

    October 26, 2022 at 4:24 pm

    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!!!

    Reply
    • Donya

      October 27, 2022 at 7:14 am

      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

      Reply
  3. Sheila

    October 25, 2022 at 5:03 pm

    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!!

    Reply
    • Donya

      October 26, 2022 at 8:08 am

      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

      Reply
  4. Christine

    October 25, 2022 at 2:10 pm

    Donya, can I omit the cheese? We don’t eat cheese. Help!

    Reply
    • Donya Mullins

      October 25, 2022 at 2:31 pm

      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

      Reply

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Donya with A Southern Soul

Meet A Southern Soul

Hey, there! I’m Donya and welcome to A Southern Soul. I love to cook and entertain with easy to make recipes and simple ideas that make people feel special. Read More

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  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

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