Name: Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground Italian sausage; 1 lb. penne pasta; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 medium yellow onion, minced; 3–4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth or dry white wine; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 3 oz. fresh baby spinach, tightly packed (about 3 cups)

If you’re craving a comforting, rich dish that’s surprisingly simple to whip up, you’re in for a treat. This Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe combines savory Italian sausage with a luscious, cheesy sauce that hugs every piece of penne — it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat.

Creamy Sausage Pasta - A large silver pan filled with creamy pasta made of light yellow penne noodles mixed evenly with small pieces of cooked ground meat and green spinach leaves, all coated in a smooth cream sauce. The dish is sprinkled with small green herb bits and cracks of black pepper. A wooden spoon rests on the pasta, and the pan sits on a white marbled surface next to a striped cloth and a small white bowl with colored peppercorns. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made this creamy sausage pasta on a chilly evening when I wanted something hearty yet quick. It instantly became a favorite because it strikes the perfect balance between rich and comforting without being complicated. You'll see why it’s my go-to when I want to impress but don’t have hours to spend cooking.

Simple ingredients: You probably have most of these staples in your kitchen already.
Quick to prepare: Ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute plans.
Versatile: Easily customize with veggies or spice levels to suit your taste buds.
Deliciously creamy sauce: So rich and satisfying that you’ll find yourself going back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

Creamy Sausage Pasta - A white plate holds a serving of penne pasta mixed with small pieces of browned sausage and fresh green spinach leaves, all coated in a creamy white sauce with specks of black pepper and chopped herbs sprinkled on top. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate. In the background, there is another white plate with plain penne pasta slightly out of focus, and a small white bowl filled with mixed peppercorns. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth napkin on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this creamy sausage pasta recipe plays a special role in building flavor and creating that luxurious texture we all crave in a creamy pasta dish. Here’s why I trust these picks every time I cook it.

Creamy Sausage Pasta - Flat lay of fresh Italian ground sausage with a rich marbled texture, uncooked penne pasta in a pale golden hue, a small mound of bright green baby spinach leaves with delicate veins, a bunch of plump garlic cloves with papery white skins, half a yellow onion finely minced showing its pale yellow layers, a generous pile of grated Parmesan cheese in fine snowy white flakes, and a small heap of dried Italian seasoning herbs in mixed green and brown tones, all carefully spread out and naturally overlapping, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ground Italian sausage: Adds a robust, spiced flavor that forms the meaty base of the dish. I recommend getting sweet or spicy sausage depending on your preference.
Penne pasta: Holds the sauce perfectly thanks to its tube shape—plus, it’s easy to find and cooks quickly.
Butter: Used to sauté the onions, it gives a subtle richness right from the start.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened; always mince finely for even cooking.
Garlic: A must-have aromatics that lifts all the flavors with its unmistakable kick.
Heavy cream: The secret to the luscious, silky sauce that makes this pasta irresistibly creamy.
Chicken broth or dry white wine: Deglazes the pan, picking up all those flavorful browned bits and keeps the sauce balanced.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties everything together with a classic Italian flair.
Parmesan cheese: Gives a nutty, salty spark and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
Baby spinach: Adds fresh, leafy greens that wilt down and boost the nutrition without overpowering the dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this creamy sausage pasta recipe is—you really can bend it to your mood or pantry availability. I’ve played around with it over the years, and it never disappoints no matter how you tweak it.

Variation: Try swapping out baby spinach for sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for a different flavor and texture. I once added roasted red peppers, and it gave the dish a lovely smoky surprise.
Make it spicy: I often add a pinch of red pepper flakes when I want a little heat—that kick makes the creaminess pop even more.
Dairy-free twist: Use coconut cream and a vegan sausage to accommodate dietary needs without losing that creamy vibe.
Gluten-free option: Swap regular penne with gluten-free pasta, which works just as nicely here.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta to al dente perfection

Start by boiling salted water and cooking the penne pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Remember, a little bite is what you want here because the pasta will absorb some sauce. Drain well and set aside so it’s ready to toss with the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the sausage and build flavor

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and don’t rush this step—give it about 5 minutes to brown nicely while breaking it up with a spatula so everything cooks evenly. I like to remove excess grease to avoid a greasy sauce, so transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels once browned.

Step 3: Sauté aromatics and deglaze the pan

Using the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced onions, cooking until soft and translucent—this usually takes about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for just 30 seconds, until fragrant. This step fills your kitchen with a heavenly smell. Return the sausage to the pan, then pour in your chicken broth or white wine to deglaze, scraping up those tasty browned bits stuck on the bottom—this is flavor gold.

Step 4: Create the creamy sauce

Turn the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring it up to a gentle boil, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon — usually 3-5 minutes. This is the creamy heart of the dish, so patience here pays off!

Step 5: Add greens and pasta, then toss to combine

Stir the baby spinach into the sauce, letting it wilt down gently for a minute or two. Finally, add the drained pasta and toss everything together so every piece of pasta is luxuriously coated. Serve immediately while it’s warm and creamy. Trust me, you’ll love every forkful!

Top Tip

After making this creamy sausage pasta recipe dozens of times, a few tips really helped me nail consistent results—and I want you to have that same confidence in the kitchen.

Don’t rush browning the sausage: Getting a good sear adds depth to the final flavor, so make sure you give it enough time and break it apart well.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts far better into the sauce, making it silky instead of grainy.
Control the sauce thickness: If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer; if too thick, add a splash more broth or pasta water.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep an eye so it stays al dente—overcooked pasta turns mushy once mixed in the sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Whenever I serve this creamy sausage pasta, I like to finish it off with a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil. It adds a lovely burst of freshness and a pop of color. A pinch of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving also brightens it up wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette and some crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce. Sometimes, I throw together a quick roasted vegetable medley — zucchini and bell peppers especially — for a nice contrast in texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this creamy sausage pasta in individual ramekins topped with a bit of mozzarella and broiled it briefly for a golden crust—everyone loved the bubbly, cheesy surprise on top. It’s also fun to twirl the pasta neatly onto plates with a little extra swirl of sauce and a fresh herb garnish for an elegant look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat, adding a splash of milk or broth helps loosen the sauce so it doesn’t get too thick or gummy.

Freezing

Freezing this creamy sausage pasta recipe is possible, but the texture of the cream sauce changes slightly once thawed. I recommend freezing without the spinach mixed in, then adding fresh spinach when reheating. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth, stirring frequently until heated through and creamy again. Microwave works too, but go slow in 30-second intervals to avoid drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this creamy sausage pasta recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and sausage mixture a day ahead and cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve. This way, the pasta won’t get soggy. Alternatively, store the whole dish in the fridge and reheat gently before eating.

What type of sausage works best in this recipe?

Italian sausage, either sweet or spicy, is ideal for this recipe because its seasoning complements the creamy sauce. Ground sausage gives the right texture and flavor, but you can experiment with breakfast sausage or even chorizo for different tastes.

Can I use other pasta shapes for this dish?

Absolutely! While penne is great at holding the sauce, other short pastas such as rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle also work wonderfully. Just make sure to cook until al dente and adjust the sauce amount if needed.

Is there a vegetarian version of this creamy sausage pasta recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and choose dairy or plant-based cream options as desired.

Final Thoughts

This creamy sausage pasta recipe holds a cozy spot in my recipe arsenal—I keep coming back to it because it’s just so reliably delicious and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, it’s a winner every time. Give it a go, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become one of your favorites too.