Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re craving something rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this recipe is for you. My Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage will satisfy your comfort food cravings with its hearty ingredients and mouthwatering taste. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table!
Introduction
When it comes to comforting Italian-inspired dishes, you can’t go wrong with creamy pasta. This Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage combines tender pasta with perfectly seasoned sausage, aromatic herbs, and a delectable cheese sauce. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures that will transport you straight to a cozy Italian trattoria.
What makes this dish even more special is how easy it is to make, despite its gourmet flavor profile. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can achieve a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage, you’ll need:
- 12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup half and half or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage:
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside. - Cook the Sausage:
While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. - Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring and cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Next, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape any flavorful bits from the bottom. Let the broth reduce for 3-5 minutes, then add the diced tomatoes with their juices, along with the oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and allow the mixture to simmer and thicken for about 5-7 minutes. - Finish the Sauce:
Stir in the half and half or heavy cream, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. - Combine Everything:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the rich, creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and incorporated into the sauce. - Serve:
Serve the Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Pair it with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal.
Helpful Tips
- Cooking Pasta Al Dente:
Make sure to cook your pasta until it’s al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. This ensures that your pasta retains a pleasant firmness and won’t turn mushy when mixed with the sauce. - Choosing the Right Sausage:
Opt for a high-quality Italian sausage. You can choose between mild or spicy, depending on your taste preference. The sausage adds a lot of flavor to the dish, so make sure to use one you enjoy!
Cooking Tips
- Deglazing the Pan:
When adding the chicken broth to the skillet, make sure to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom. These bits are packed with flavor and will help enrich the sauce. - Cheese Options:
If you want to add even more flavor, consider experimenting with different cheeses. Aged gouda or fontina would also melt beautifully into the sauce and add extra richness. - Equipment Suggestion:
A high-quality, large skillet or sauté pan is essential for making this dish. It helps ensure even cooking and gives you enough room to toss the pasta and sausage together at the end.
Serving Suggestions
To complete your meal, consider pairing the Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage with:
- Garlic Bread:
The ultimate sidekick to any pasta dish, garlic bread adds crunch and extra flavor. - Mixed Green Salad:
A light and refreshing salad helps balance the richness of the creamy pasta. Toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette. - Wine Pairing:
For wine lovers, this dish pairs beautifully with a bold red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel. The acidity in the wine cuts through the richness of the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor of the meal.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick summary of the nutritional content for Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage:
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 600 IU
- Vitamin C: 8mg
- Calcium: 250mg
- Iron: 3mg
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to bring back the creamy consistency. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, to prevent the sauce from separating.
Creative Use of Leftovers:
Transform your leftovers into a new dish by tossing the pasta with some sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables. Or, mix the leftover pasta with beaten eggs and bake it into a pasta frittata for a unique breakfast option!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds a distinct flavor to the dish, you can substitute it with turkey sausage, chorizo, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the cream and cheeses for dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cheese. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might change slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.
What can I use instead of half and half?
You can substitute half and half with whole milk or even a blend of milk and cream. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use unsweetened almond milk, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out these other delicious options:
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Tropical Pineapple Carrot Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting
-
Luxurious Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel Tomatoes and Creamy Cheeses
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and eating this Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage as much as I do! It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Don’t forget to share your own variations or tips in the comments below, and let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking!
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Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage
Description
Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re craving something rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this recipe is for you. My Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage will satisfy your comfort food cravings with its hearty ingredients and mouthwatering taste. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup half and half or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside. - Cook the Sausage:
While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. - Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring and cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Next, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape any flavorful bits from the bottom. Let the broth reduce for 3-5 minutes, then add the diced tomatoes with their juices, along with the oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and allow the mixture to simmer and thicken for about 5-7 minutes. - Finish the Sauce:
Stir in the half and half or heavy cream, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. - Combine Everything:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the rich, creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and incorporated into the sauce. - Serve:
Serve the Rich Creamy Penne with Savory Italian Sausage immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Pair it with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Make sure to cook your pasta until it’s al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. This ensures that your pasta retains a pleasant firmness and won’t turn mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Choosing the Right Sausage:
Opt for a high-quality Italian sausage. You can choose between mild or spicy, depending on your taste preference. The sausage adds a lot of flavor to the dish, so make sure to use one you enjoy!
Keywords: Creamy Penne Pasta with Italian Sausage, Penne with Sausage and Cheese Sauce, Rich Pasta with Italian Sausage, Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
