Dinner/ European/ Pasta & Noodles/ Recipes

Creamy Sausage Pasta

22/05/2020 (Last Updated: 17/09/2020)

Creamy Sausage Pasta is the perfect dinner dish to whip up when you’re running low on time and ingredients. It’s ready in just 15-20 minutes, and PACKED with flavour. The whole family will love this incredible Italian sausage and cheese loaded pasta!

A skillet of freshly cooked creamy sausage pasta, with a serving spoon.

Why We Love This

Who doesn’t love a one-pot meal! The creamy pasta sauce takes no effort for the amount of flavour it carries, and it’s super filling. You can use any kind of pasta you like, although we love penne for scooping up all that delicious sauce.

The best part? Double the recipe and cook it as a batch – you’ll have plenty of leftovers for work lunches or to freeze for an easy-mode dinner for another night.

There’s something decadent about using 2 whole cups of cream for this sauce. But if you don’t have cream, you can easily substitute with bechamel or white sauce, or try our easy no-cream carbonara instead.

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A fork piercing a slice of Italian sausage out of the pan of creamy pasta.

What is Creamy Sausage Pasta? 

This is a truly satisfying pasta dish and yet it’s made from the simplest of ingredients! Think creamy, garlicky white sauce, herby Italian sausages, a scattering of spinach and al dente penne pasta.

Now the sausages? Well, there’s regular sausages, and then there’s Italian sausages. There is a huge difference between the two, and that’s the incredible FLAVOUR.

We’d never had them until our friend’s dad (who’s Italian) cooked us the sausages in a simple Napoli sauce. The intricate spices really take Italian sausages to a whole other level, and have a magic power to transform any dish that you cook them in!

What You’ll Need

Simple ingredients for this easy weeknight pasta recipe! The sauce is made from a base of onions, garlic and mushrooms paired with spinach and cream. You’ll also need your favourite style of pasta (we love penne because it scoops up the flavour and is easy to eat!), along with the following key ingredients:

  • Italian Sausages – Italian sausages go very well in both white and red sauces as they feature a flavour combo of pork and fennel. Of course you can also use regular sausages, but I’d recommend popping in some fennel seeds or Italian herbs to up the flavour-ante. You can choose from mild or hot versions of these sausages depending on your preference!
  • Pecorino Romano – We love this style of cheese, which is like a more intense version of parmesan. You can use parmesan if you prefer, just note that you may need to use more of it to reach the same level of flavour intensity.

How to make Creamy Sausage Pasta:

  1. Cook pasta a couple of minutes less than the recommended packet directions, to keep pasta al dente. Set aside.
  2. Place a large cast iron pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Once heated, add chopped onion, garlic and mushroom and cook for a minute or two. Stir continuously to avoid sticking.
  3. Add Italian sausages (don’t forget to remove the skins!) into the pan and chop up with your spatula as you mix around the pan. Cook until browned.
  1. Set heat to low and pour in the cream. Mix around the pan, then add in the baby spinach and parmesan, stirring both into the mixture.
  2. Add the cooked pasta.
  3. Mixing everything together. Remove from the heat and serve immediately.

Voila! You’re done!

Wandercook’s Tips

  • Using the sausage meat with skins removed makes them easier to cook and really helps infuse their flavours through the dish.
  • Make sure to add your cream on low heat to avoid boiling and possibly causing the cream to separate.
  • Double the recipe so you can batch cook on a weekend, and have the meals ready to go during the week.

FAQs

Can I freeze creamy sausage pasta?

Yes, you may find you get some natural separation of the cream and oils but it will taste fine! It will also last in the fridge for a few days.

My sauce isn’t very thick. What can I do to thicken it?

If you’ve found the sauce doesn’t thicken enough after adding the pasta, you have two options:
– Mix a teaspoon of cornflour/cornstarch to 1/4 cup of cold water and add the mixture into your pasta.
– Stir through a little leftover pasta water. The starch from the pasta will help thicken the sauce.
No matter which option you choose, be sure to stir over low heat for a minute or two and your sauce should thicken nicely.

What are Italian sausages? How are they different?

Italian Sausages are a type of pork sausage from Italy that usually contains fennel, which make them very aromatic and perfect for cooking in pasta sauces.

Variations & Substitutes

  • Sausages – If Italian sausages aren’t to your liking, try using chicken sausages, spinach and pine nut sausages, lamb and rosemary sausages etc. Any type of sausage with added herbs or spices will create a super tasty sauce when paired with the cream.
  • Cream – Replace with homemade bechamel white sauce for a ‘just-as-creamy’ no-cream version. Check out our recipe for Greek Moussaka where we shared Sarah’s easy-mode no-fail bechamel sauce!
  • Get Creative with Veggies – If you don’t like mushrooms or baby spinach, try cooking with broccolini, asparagus or cauliflower.
Close up shot of cooked pasta in a creamy sauce with spinach and Italian sausages.

Want more easy weeknight pasta recipes? Try these:

★ Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating below!

Creamy sausage pasta in a cast iron skillet.

Creamy Sausage Pasta

Creamy Sausage Pasta is the perfect dinner dish to whip up when you're running low on time and ingredients. It's ready in just 15-20 minutes, and PACKED with flavour. The whole family will love this incredible Italian sausage and cheese loaded pasta!
5 from 17 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 856kcal
Author: Wandercooks
Cost: $15

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook pasta for a couple of minutes less than the recommended packet directions, to keep pasta al dente. Drain.
    300 g penne pasta
  • Place a large cast iron pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Once heated, add chopped onion, garlic and mushroom and cook for a minute or two. Stir continuously to avoid sticking.
    1 onion, 2 garlic, 1 tbsp olive oil, 6 mushrooms
  • Add Italian sausages (don't forget to remove the skins!) into the pan and chop up with your spatula as you mix around the pan. Cook until browned.
    500 g Italian sausages
  • Set heat to low and pour in the cream. Mix around the pan, then add in the baby spinach and pecorino romano or parmesan, stirring both into the mixture.
    2 cups baby spinach, 2 cups thickened cream / heavy cream, 1 cup pecorino romano cheese
  • Add the cooked pasta, mixing everything together. Remove from the heat and serve immediately.
    Note: If the sauce still doesn't thicken after stirring through the pasta, add a slurry of 1 tbsp cold water and 1 tbsp cornstarch.

Video

YouTube video

Recipe Notes

Tips to get this recipe just right:
  • Italian Sausages – Italian sausages go insanely well in both white and red sauces as they feature a flavour combo of pork and fennel. Of course you can also use regular sausages, but I’d recommend popping in some fennel seeds or Italian herbs to up the flavour-ante. You could also try using chicken sausages, spinach and pine nut sausages, lamb and rosemary sausages etc. Any type of sausage with added herbs or spices will create a super tasty sauce when paired with the cream. Using the sausage meat with skins removed makes them easier to cook and really helps infuse their flavours through the dish.
  • Pecorino Romano Cheese – We love this style of cheese, which is like a more intense version of parmesan. You can use parmesan if you prefer, just note that you may need to use more of it to reach the same level of flavour intensity.
  • Cream – Replace with homemade bechamel white sauce for a ‘just-as-creamy’ no-cream version. Check out our recipe for Greek Moussaka where we shared Sarah’s easy-mode no-fail bechamel sauce! Make sure to add your cream on low heat to avoid boiling and possibly causing the cream to separate.
  • Double the Recipe – Cook a batch on a weekend, and have the meals ready to go during the week.
  • Get Creative with Veggies – If you don’t like mushrooms or baby spinach, try cooking with broccolini, asparagus or cauliflower.
Adapted from The Salty Marshmallow

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Creamy Sausage Pasta
Amount per Serving
Calories
856
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
63
g
97
%
Saturated Fat
 
31
g
194
%
Cholesterol
 
187
mg
62
%
Sodium
 
907
mg
39
%
Potassium
 
549
mg
16
%
Carbohydrates
 
44
g
15
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Protein
 
28
g
56
%
Vitamin A
 
2250
IU
45
%
Vitamin C
 
7
mg
8
%
Calcium
 
278
mg
28
%
Iron
 
2.2
mg
12
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Creamy Sausage Pasta
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22 Comments

  • Reply
    Sherrell
    28/03/2024 at 8:24 am

    Hello, I want to make this for dinner…but don’t have penne pasta. I only have bowtie. Will this substitution work in a pinch? Thanks in advance for your response.

    • Reply
      Wandercooks
      28/03/2024 at 10:14 am

      That’s totally fine Sherrell. 🙂 Any short pasta will work fine.

  • Reply
    Adrianne
    22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

    This is a delicious looking pasta! Great to know that you just pull the skins off the sausage and add it in, it looks so tasty. I am always looking for easy, delicious looking pasta dishes and this looks fab, cheers!

    • Reply
      Wandercooks
      22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

      Yeah, it’s a great technique. Instant meatballs! 🙂

  • Reply
    Dannii
    22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

    Sausage pasta is so easy and comforting.

    • Reply
      Wandercooks
      22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

      Yessss, exactly. This is why we love cooking it on weeknights. 🙂

  • Reply
    Beth
    22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

    Three magic words – creamy, quick and easy! Every busy mom loves to hear those words!

    • Reply
      Wandercooks
      22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

      Haha too true!

  • Reply
    Cookilicious
    22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

    Pasta is a great comfort food especially on weeknights!

    • Reply
      Wandercooks
      22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

      Agreed!

  • Reply
    Irina
    22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

    Made it tonight! The evening meal was delicious! I could not find Italian sausages:( So, I replaced them with the pork ones. However, I will definitely try to make this recipe with Italian sausages next time. Thanks for sharing!

    • Reply
      Wandercooks
      22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

      Thanks for letting us know Irina. I’m sure any sausages would go well – just add a little extra herbs to the dish to compensate.

  • Reply
    Tawnie
    22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

    This has turned into our favorite weeknight pasta recipe – thank you so much!

    • Reply
      Wandercooks
      22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

      Aww yay! That’s awesome Tawnie, thanks for the feedback. So glad you enjoyed it.

  • Reply
    Milica Vladova
    22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

    Oh, yummmmm! I just can’t wait to make this amazing pasta – looks so delicious!

    • Reply
      Wandercooks
      22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

      Thanks Milica – enjoy! You’ll have to let us know how it goes. 🙂

  • Reply
    Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
    22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

    This looks like such a delicious and comforting meal! My whole family love pasta dishes so we will certainly be giving it a try!

    • Reply
      Wandercooks
      22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

      Agreed. You can’t beat a nice quick mid-week pasta dish!

  • Reply
    Sylvie
    22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

    What a delicious looking bowl of pasta!! That creamy sauce sounds so decadent, it’s the perfect mid-week dinner recipe for sure 🙂

    • Reply
      Wandercooks
      22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

      Thanks Sylvie! Hope you enjoy. Happy cooking!

  • Reply
    Dannii
    22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

    Sausage pasta is such great comfort food. Love how creamy this is.

    • Reply
      Wandercooks
      22/05/2020 at 10:24 am

      Agreed, it’s especially cold here at the moment, so loving the comfort food right now. 🙂

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