Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage (Print-Friendly Version)
Savory sausage, parmesan, and pasta join in a creamy skillet for a satisfying Italian-inspired dish.
# Ingredients You’ll Need:
→ Main
01 -
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed if needed
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
03 -
1 small onion, finely chopped
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
06 -
12 ounces dried pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli
07 -
1 cup heavy cream
08 -
Salt, to taste
09 -
Black pepper, to taste
10 -
2 cups baby spinach
11 -
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
# How to Make It:
01 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until evenly browned and thoroughly cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 -
Add chopped onion to the cooked sausage and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and the sauce is slightly thickened. Adjust consistency with a splash of reserved pasta water if necessary.
04 -
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with sauce. Stir in baby spinach, allowing leaves to wilt gently.
05 -
Taste the dish and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and optional chopped parsley or basil.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining to adjust the sauce texture if needed.