Name: Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe You'll Make on Repeat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta); 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), sliced or crumbled; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3–4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (whole or halved); 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half); ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; Salt & black pepper to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

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If your evenings look anything like mine—full of hungry faces and not enough time—this creamy sausage pasta will be your new best friend. It’s warm, comforting, and comes together before your wine even chills.

I first made it on a chilly Tuesday when I had zero energy but still wanted something that felt like a hug in a bowl. And oh, it delivered.

With rich Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a dreamy garlic-parmesan cream sauce, this dish is perfect for busy moms, tired professionals, or anyone craving a cozy meal without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Pasta

This creamy sausage pasta is like a warm blanket for your taste buds—fast, filling, and full of flavor.

It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but comes together in just 30 minutes.

The rich garlic parmesan sauce, savory sausage, and tender pasta make it a go-to for weeknights when you need comfort in a bowl without a culinary marathon.

Ingredients Creamy Sausage Pasta

If your pantry’s been staring blankly at you all week, don’t worry—this creamy sausage pasta doesn’t ask for much. Most of the ingredients are everyday staples, and a few fresh items bring it all to life.

Below is a quick guide to what you’ll need. You’ll find the full list with exact amounts at the bottom of the post, ready for printing or screenshotting—because I know how chaotic dinner hour can be.

Ingredient Breakdown

Penne pasta or any short pasta: I love penne for how it hugs the sauce in every groove. Rotini, shells, or rigatoni also work beautifully.
Italian sausage: Mild or spicy—your call! I usually go with spicy for a little kick, but mild keeps it kid-friendly and still flavorful.
Olive oil: Just a splash to start the sausage and garlic party. It adds depth and helps everything caramelize just right.
Garlic: Fresh is best here. It’s the backbone of that garlic parmesan sausage pasta flavor we all crave.
Cherry tomatoes: These little guys get blistered for a sweet pop that balances the creamy sauce and savory sausage. Grape tomatoes are a fine swap.
Fresh spinach: A handful of greens to make you feel a little virtuous. It wilts down quickly and adds color and nutrition.
Heavy cream: This is where the magic happens. For a lighter touch, use half-and-half, but don’t skip it—it’s the creamy soul of the dish.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated if possible. It melts into the cream, adding that nutty, salty finish that makes this dish sing.
Seasonings: Salt and pepper are musts. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right spark, especially if you’re not using spicy sausage.
Fresh herbs: Basil or parsley sprinkled on top not only look gorgeous, but they brighten the whole dish. Don’t skip this final flourish!

How to Make Creamy Sausage Pasta

This creamy sausage pasta is one of those low-effort, high-reward meals that tastes like it took hours—but really doesn’t. Below, I’ve broken it down step-by-step, so even if you’re juggling laundry, homework help, and a barking dog, you can still pull this off like a pro.

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne until it’s perfectly al dente. You want it tender but still firm for the best bite.

Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s liquid gold for your sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you move on to the good stuff.

Step 2 – Brown the Italian Sausage

In a big skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your Italian sausage—crumbled or sliced, whichever you prefer.

Let it sizzle until browned and fully cooked. Don’t rush this part! A good sear brings out all that savory sausage flavor. Once it’s golden and caramelized, remove it from the pan and keep it warm nearby.

Step 3 – Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it—those sausage bits are flavor bombs), toss in your minced garlic. Stir for about a minute, just until it smells amazing, not burned.

Now add your cherry tomatoes. Let them blister and burst a bit—this usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. They’ll soften and release their juices, adding a sweet tang to your tomato and sausage pasta dish.

Step 4 – Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

Turn the heat down low and pour in your heavy cream. Stir gently to mix it with the garlicky tomato goodness.

Next, add the parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a silky, velvety sauce. This is where the magic of garlic parmesan sausage pasta really shines. If it gets too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5 – Add Spinach and Combine Everything

Toss in your fresh spinach and watch it wilt down in just a minute or two. It adds color, nutrients, and a little earthy contrast to the richness.

Return the sausage to the pan, then add your cooked pasta. Toss it all together until every piece of penne is coated in that dreamy sauce. This is hearty spinach and sausage penne at its best.

Step 6 – Finish and Serve Your Creamy Sausage Pasta

Give it a taste and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir well to combine everything.

Spoon into bowls, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley, and maybe a little more parmesan—because why not? This easy creamy weeknight pasta is ready to impress, comfort, and satisfy in one warm, cheesy bite.

Tips for Success

Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente gives the perfect bite and holds up in the sauce.
Use that reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick—it’s a creamy lifesaver.
Let the sausage really brown; golden edges mean deep, savory flavor in every bite.
Keep stirring the cream sauce gently to avoid curdling and keep it silky smooth.
Always taste before serving—you might want an extra pinch of salt or a dash of red pepper.

Equipment Needed

Large skillet or sauté pan: Big enough to hold everything—sauce, sausage, and pasta—without a pasta avalanche.
Medium pot for boiling pasta: Just make sure it’s roomy enough for the pasta to dance freely.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring the sauce and scraping up all those flavorful browned bits.
Colander for draining pasta: A must-have for quickly draining without losing a single noodle.
Chef’s knife and cutting board: For slicing sausage, chopping herbs, and making you feel like a kitchen pro.
Measuring cups (optional): Great if you want to be precise with your cream and cheese—but eyeballing works too in a pinch.

Variations

Use turkey or chicken sausage: Want to keep things on the lighter side? Swap in turkey or chicken sausage. It still brings the flavor, just with a little less richness.
Swap spinach for kale or arugula: Out of spinach? No problem. Kale adds heartiness, while arugula gives a peppery twist that jazzes things up.
Try gluten-free pasta: Whether it’s rice-based, chickpea, or lentil pasta, you’ve got delicious gluten-free options that soak up the sauce just as well.
Add mushrooms or bell peppers: Extra veggies, extra love. Sautéed mushrooms bring umami depth, and bell peppers add a pop of sweetness and color.
Spice it up: If you like things fiery, go for hot Italian sausage or toss in a pinch more red pepper flakes. Your taste buds will thank you.
Use plant-based sausage: Going meatless? No worries. A good plant-based sausage makes this creamy sausage pasta totally vegetarian without sacrificing that savory bite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread or crusty Italian loaf: Perfect for mopping up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
Pair with a crisp green salad or Caesar salad: The freshness balances the dish’s rich, creamy texture beautifully.
Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh basil: A final flourish that adds flavor and makes it look restaurant-worthy.
A glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water complements well: Light, refreshing drinks cut through the richness just right.
Serve in a deep bowl to capture all the creamy sauce: Trust me—no one wants a shallow plate when there’s sauce this good.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this garlic parmesan sausage pasta ahead of time?

A: Absolutely—this dish is a lifesaver when prepped ahead. Store the garlic parmesan sausage pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or a bit of reserved pasta water to bring back that luscious, silky texture. Trust me, it reheats like a dream.

Q: What’s the best pasta for this tomato and sausage pasta dish?

A: Penne is my usual pick—it’s like a flavor scoop for sauce. But if you’ve got rigatoni, fusilli, or even those adorable shell pastas hanging around, go for it. All of these short pastas cling to the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite of this tomato and sausage pasta dish totally satisfying.

Q: Is this Italian sausage pasta skillet freezer-friendly?

A: It sure can be! While I prefer it fresh (who doesn’t love sauce straight from the skillet?), you can freeze leftovers. Just let the Italian sausage pasta skillet cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat low and slow—add a touch of cream to revive the sauce’s creamy charm.

Q: How do I make this easy creamy weeknight pasta lighter?

A: Lightening up this easy creamy weeknight pasta is simple. Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk. Use turkey sausage instead of pork, and feel free to toss in extra spinach or other greens. You’ll still get all the cozy flavor without the extra richness—perfect if you’re aiming for something a bit lighter but just as tasty.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a dish that comes together in 30 minutes but tastes like you poured your heart into it. This creamy sausage pasta has become my go-to for those chaotic, craving-filled evenings when I need a win at the dinner table.

It’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor—like a warm hug from your favorite Italian grandmother (even if she only exists in your imagination). Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just yourself after a long day, this pasta delivers every single time. One bite and you’ll see—it’s a keeper you’ll make on repeat.

Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe You’ll Make on Repeat