20-Minute Creamy Parmesan Sausage Pasta – The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to dive into a comforting dish that brings together rich flavors, creamy textures, and the heartiness of traditional comfort cooking? This recipe is inspired by old-world kitchens where simple ingredients were transformed into deeply satisfying meals. Today, we’re keeping that spirit alive with a dish that’s both timeless and modern—a warm bowl of 20-Minute Creamy Parmesan Sausage Pasta.

In many traditional households, sausage, pasta, and cream often came together on busy nights when a hearty meal was needed fast. This recipe honors that tradition while giving you a quick, fuss-free method perfect for weeknights. You’ll love how the savory sausage melts into the silky sauce, how the Parmesan adds depth and nuttiness, and how the pasta ties it all together into one comforting bite.

No need for fancy cookware or complicated steps—just a few pantry staples, a handful of fresh ingredients, and a little love. Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for yourself, or preparing a cozy meal for someone special, this dish is designed to bring warmth and joy to your table in under half an hour. So grab your apron, your favorite wooden spoon, and let’s get cooking! 🍝✨

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• Salt for boiling water

For the Creamy Sausage Sauce

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper, to taste

Final Touches

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan, for serving

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Cook until fully browned and slightly crispy around the edges—this deepens the flavor beautifully.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits (they are full of flavor!). Let it simmer for 1 minute.
5. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well and allow the sauce to gently simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add in the grated Parmesan and stir until melted and creamy. Season with black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Toss the cooked pasta directly into the creamy sausage sauce, coating every piece. Add reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, if you want a looser, silkier sauce.
8. Serve warm, topped with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy immediately for the creamiest texture!

Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 5 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 15 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 20 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~540 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️