Description
A quick and indulgent weeknight dinner featuring browned Italian sausage in a rich, garlicky cream sauce tossed with rotini pasta. Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and brown for 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the sausage. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove skillet from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese gradually until melted. Add butter and stir for gloss. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Remove pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Save pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. This dish does not freeze well due to the dairy content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: Italian sausage pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meals, one pan pasta, 20 minute dinner, comfort food