Name: Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground Italian sausage; 1 lb. penne pasta; 1/2 medium yellow onion, minced; 3–4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 oz. fresh baby spinach, tightly packed (about 3 cups); 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth or dry white wine; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Looking for a delicious, comforting dinner that's quick to whip up any night? This Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe hits all the right notes with its rich, velvety sauce and savory Italian sausage. Stick around, and I’ll share my favorite tips so your pasta turns out perfect every time.

creamy sausage pasta - A large silver pan filled with creamy pasta made of light yellow penne noodles mixed evenly with small pieces of cooked ground meat and green spinach leaves, all coated in a smooth cream sauce. The dish is sprinkled with small green herb bits and cracks of black pepper. A wooden spoon rests on the pasta, and the pan sits on a white marbled surface next to a striped cloth and a small white bowl with colored peppercorns. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This creamy sausage pasta recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a little slice of comfort that’s quick enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress. I remember the first time I made this—it filled the whole kitchen with the most amazing aroma, and everyone wanted seconds (including me!).

Simple ingredients, big flavor: You probably have nearly everything in your pantry, yet it tastes like you spent hours making it.
Quick to prepare: From start to finish, it takes about 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Customizable to your taste: Whether you want it spicier, richer, or loaded with greens, it’s easy to tweak.
Comfort in a bowl: The creamy sauce paired with spicy sausage hits that cozy, satisfying spot every time.

creamy sausage pasta - A white plate holds a serving of penne pasta mixed with small pieces of browned sausage and fresh green spinach leaves, all coated in a creamy white sauce with specks of black pepper and chopped herbs sprinkled on top. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate. In the background, there is another white plate with plain penne pasta slightly out of focus, and a small white bowl filled with mixed peppercorns. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth napkin on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this creamy sausage pasta recipe plays a key role in building flavor and texture. Using quality Italian sausage gives a spicy, savory base, while the heavy cream and Parmesan create that luscious, silky sauce you’ll want to savor.

creamy sausage pasta - Flat lay of fresh Italian ground sausage with a rich marbled texture, uncooked penne pasta in a pale golden hue, a small mound of bright green baby spinach leaves with delicate veins, a bunch of plump garlic cloves with papery white skins, half a yellow onion finely minced showing its pale yellow layers, a generous pile of grated Parmesan cheese in fine snowy white flakes, and a small heap of dried Italian seasoning herbs in mixed green and brown tones, all carefully spread out and naturally overlapping, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ground Italian sausage: Adds bold, herby flavor and meaty richness—choose sweet or spicy depending on your preference.
Penne pasta: Great for holding onto the creamy sauce in its ridges and tubes, but feel free to swap for rigatoni or penne rigate.
Butter: Gives depth and smoothness to the onion and garlic base.
Yellow onion: Softens and sweetens the sauce’s flavor when sautéed.
Garlic: Brings aromatic punch—don’t skimp here!
Heavy cream: The backbone of that silky, rich sauce.
Chicken broth or dry white wine: Adds acidity and helps deglaze the pan for extra flavor complexity.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, perfect for tying everything together.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for savory umami notes and thickening.
Baby spinach: Adds a pop of color, nutrition, and subtle earthiness, wilting beautifully into the sauce.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this creamy sausage pasta recipe based on what I have or my mood. Sometimes, I add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor, or crank up red pepper flakes if I’m craving some heat. The best part? It’s forgiving and adjusts well.

Variation: Once, I swapped spinach for kale—gave it a nice chew and made it heartier, perfect on a chilly evening.
Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and the sauce will still coat beautifully.
Vegetarian twist: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or smoky tempeh and use vegetable broth—it’s still packed with flavor.
Extra cheesy: Stir in a little cream cheese or mascarpone for a luscious, super creamy sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Start by boiling salted water for the pasta—this seasons the pasta inside and out. Cook your penne until al dente (check package for timing). Once cooked, drain but keep about a ¼ cup of pasta water handy—it can help loosen the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Brown That Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium and add your ground Italian sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks so it browns evenly and gets nice and crumbly. This step develops flavor with those delicious brown bits. Once browned (about 5 minutes), scoop the sausage out and set it aside, leaving any grease behind.

Step 3: Sauté Onion & Garlic

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced onions. Cook until they soften and become translucent (3-4 minutes). Add your garlic and sauté just 30 seconds until fragrant—watch closely so it doesn’t burn! Return the browned sausage to the pan and stir.

Step 4: Deglaze & Build the Sauce

Pour in your chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom with a spatula. Then lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Add Cheese & Thicken

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese melts smoothly and the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon—this usually takes a few minutes. Don’t rush it; slow melting means silky texture!

Step 6: Wilt the Spinach & Toss Pasta

Add the fresh baby spinach and stir until it wilts, just a minute. Finally, toss in the cooked pasta and gently combine until every piece is luxuriously coated in that creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Scoop into bowls, sprinkle an extra bit of parmesan if you like, and dig in while it’s hot. Creamy, comforting, and seriously satisfying!

Top Tip

After making this creamy sausage pasta recipe dozens of times, I've learned a few tricks that take it from good to great. These tips helped me avoid common pitfalls and make the process smoother—and I’m excited to share them with you!

Don’t overcook the pasta: Pasta continues to cook slightly after mixing, so undercook it by 1-2 minutes to avoid mushiness.
Drain excess fat: After browning the sausage, drain the grease to prevent the sauce from becoming oily.
Deglaze well: Scraping up those browned bits when adding broth or wine builds tons of complex flavor.
Use fresh Parmesan cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting and texture.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe

creamy sausage pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love adding freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a fresh, herbaceous pop that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes is great if you want to dial up the heat. Sometimes, I’ll shave extra Parmesan over the plate just for a cheesy finish.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully to balance the creaminess, and garlic bread or a crunchy baguette is my go-to for mopping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the dish nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I love serving this creamy sausage pasta recipe in individual pretty bowls garnished with microgreens. Alternatively, layering it in a baking dish with extra cheese and broiling creates a bubbly, golden crust that's irresistible for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta soaks up some sauce overnight, making it even tastier the next day—just keep it chilled and covered.

Freezing

This creamy sausage pasta freezes pretty well. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When thawed, the sauce might separate slightly, but a good stir while reheating brings it back to creamy perfection.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen things up. Microwave works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through helps keep the sauce smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta in this creamy sausage pasta recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, you can substitute fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle. Just adjust cooking time based on the pasta type.

What’s the best alternative if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half mixed with a bit of cream cheese, or use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Just note the flavor will shift slightly.

Can I make this recipe ahead for meal prep?

Yes! This creamy sausage pasta recipe stores well in the fridge and makes for excellent leftovers. Just store in an airtight container and reheat gently to keep the sauce silky.

How can I add more veggies to the dish?

Great question! You can toss in mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or swap spinach for kale. Just add these along with or right before the spinach to let them soften or wilt into the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This creamy sausage pasta recipe is truly a staple I keep coming back to when I want something that feels indulgent but doesn’t bog me down with complicated steps. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and maybe share it with friends or family who appreciate a good cozy meal. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to!