Ingredients
Scale
- 400g (14 oz) Italian sausage (mild or spicy based on preference)
- 350g (12 oz) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti recommended)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove excess fat if needed.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if desired.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir; bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with sauce; toss gently to coat. Warm together for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or basil. Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier version, increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Prepare the sausage and sauce ahead of time for meal prep; reheat gently in a skillet to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 1/4 cups)
- Calories: 560 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
