Description
Creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines Italian sausage, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce, making it the perfect comfort food for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil or dry, rehydrated)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Add chicken broth to the skillet, deglazing the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a combination of your favorite vegetables.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes to the sauce for more heat.
- Cheese Variations: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or add mozzarella for a gooey finish.
- Add Greens: Toss in spinach, kale, or arugula for extra vegetables and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
