Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary Italian feast! This Penne in Cream Sauce with Sausage is not just a meal—it's a creamy, savory experience that promises to become your new go-to comfort food. With just 30 minutes between you and pure deliciousness, this recipe combines the rich, hearty flavors of Italian sausage with a luxurious cream sauce that will make your family and friends beg for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage, removed from casing
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the Italian sausage from its casing and crumble the meat into the hot skillet. Break the sausage into small pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook the sausage, stirring frequently, until it is fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Sprinkle garlic powder over the cooked sausage and stir to distribute evenly.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine with the sausage.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sausage and cream sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to incorporate.
- Remove from heat and let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh chopped parsley.
Tips
- Always cook pasta al dente - it continues cooking slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoother melting.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; it's a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Choose high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor impact.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Don't rush the sausage browning - developing those crispy edges adds depth to your dish.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end to ensure perfect flavor balance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 778kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 54g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Cholesterol: 165mg
