Ah, creamy sausage pasta. This dish brings back memories of cozy nights with family, the warmth of the stove radiating as comforting aromas filled the kitchen. It’s a simple and satisfying dish, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.

Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe countless times, experimenting with different types of sausage, cheeses, and vegetables. Today, I’m sharing my version that combines the rich creaminess you crave with a touch of smokiness from the sausage and a burst of freshness from the spinach.

 

Ingredients for Creamy Sausage Pasta

• 11 ounces orzo pasta (feel free to substitute with penne or another shortcut pasta)
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 medium onion, minced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 ½ ounces chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drained (oil reserved for later)
• 2 handfuls baby spinach, rinsed and pat dry
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon flour
• ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon double-concentrated tomato paste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional, for serving)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Spoon
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (optional, if not using pre-grated Parmesan)

Directions for Creamy Sausage Pasta

• Cook the Pasta:
  • • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    • Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
    • Drain the pasta, but reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water for later.
• Sauté the Sausage: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat while the pasta cooks. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
• Build the Flavor:
  • • Add the minced onion in the same skillet with the rendered sausage fat and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes.
    • Stir in the garlic powder, paprika, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
    • Let the spices cook for a minute, releasing their fragrant aroma.
• Incorporate the Creamy Base:
  • • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    • Whisk in the flour and cook for 30 seconds, creating a roux to thicken the sauce.
    • Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
    • Once simmering, bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
• Creamy Dreamland: Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes with reserved oil (adds a lovely tang!), and tomato paste. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
• The Grand Finale: Add the cooked pasta, cooked sausage, baby spinach, Italian seasoning, and the remaining ½ teaspoons of black pepper to the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and the spinach is wilted. Season with salt to taste, keeping in mind that the sausage and Parmesan will also contribute some saltiness.
• Serve and Savor:
  • • Plate your creamy sausage pasta masterpiece.
    • Shower it with grated Parmesan cheese.
    • Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
    • If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some red chili pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Serving Ratio and Prep Time

This recipe yields approximately 4-5 servings. It’s a relatively quick and easy dish to prepare, taking about 30-35 minutes from start to finish – perfect for busy weeknights!

Side Dish

This creamy sausage pasta is quite rich and satisfying on its own. However, if you’d like to add a light and refreshing side dish, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing or some roasted vegetables would be excellent options.

Conclusion

This creamy sausage pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s packed with flavor, texture, and all the comforting qualities of a classic dish. Feel free to adjust the spice level with the red chili pepper flakes, or add your favorite vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms for a customized touch. So, fire up your stove, gather your loved ones, and enjoy this delicious and heartwarming meal!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While orzo works beautifully in this recipe, you can substitute it with any shortcut pasta you like, such as penne, rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

No problem! You can omit them from the recipe. The sauce will still be delicious and creamy. A splash of lemon juice or a tablespoon of chopped fresh tomatoes would also work if you’d like to add a touch of acidity.

Can I use a lighter cream option?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or low-fat milk. However, the sauce will be slightly thinner and less rich.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Parmesan cheese is a classic choice for this dish, but you can also experiment with other flavorful cheeses, such as asiago, fontina, or crumbled feta.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Omit the sausage and add a cup of your favorite cooked vegetables, such as chopped broccoli, sliced mushrooms, or diced zucchini. For a completely vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

My sauce seems too thin. What can I do?

If your sauce seems too thin after adding the cream, simmer it for a few extra minutes to let it thicken slightly. Alternatively, you can make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Whisk this slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute or two until the desired consistency is reached.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this creamy sausage pasta freezes well. Once the dish has cooled completely, portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop over low heat.