Description
This creamy garlic and sausage pasta features savory Italian sausage cooked with aromatic garlic and combined with a luscious heavy cream sauce, fresh spinach, and melted parmesan cheese over tender pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a restaurant-quality dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta, any shape you prefer, penne or rigatoni work wonderfully
- 1 pound ground sausage, Italian sausage provides the best flavor
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic, fresh garlic yields superior results
- 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream, this is what makes the sauce luxuriously smooth
- 1/4 cup butter, unsalted butter gives you control over the salt level
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, wilts beautifully into the warm cream sauce
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded
- Optional toppings, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage
- 1. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks until it's no longer pink and begins to brown on the edges.
- 2. Add the Garlic: Reduce heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the sausage, and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the Creamy Sauce
- 1. Melt the Butter: Add the butter to the skillet with the sausage and let it melt completely over medium heat, about 1 minute.
- 2. Pour in the Cream: Slowly pour the heavy whipping cream into the skillet while stirring constantly to combine with the butter and sausage, about 2 minutes.
- 3. Add the Cheese: Gradually stir in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes thick and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- 4. Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until completely wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta
- 1. Boil the Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- 2. Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, typically 8-12 minutes, until al dente.
- 3. Drain and Reserve: Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid helps adjust the sauce consistency.
- Assemble the Dish
- 1. Combine the Pasta: Pour the drained pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce and stir gently until every piece is coated, about 1-2 minutes.
- 2. Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
- 3. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired, then serve immediately in bowls.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes