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–+ servings

Quick Creamy Sausage Pasta with Parmesan Sauce

Rose
Quick Creamy Sausage Pasta with Parmesan Sauce is a comforting, flavorful dinner ready in about 30 minutes. Golden-browned sausage, silky cream, nutty Parmesan, sautéed onions, and a hint of fresh lemon create a balanced, restaurant-quality pasta perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon
  • measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces rigatoni (or penne, fusilli, or shells)
  • salted water for boiling
  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 8 ounces Italian sausage (casings removed)
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 4–5 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4–1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir occasionally.
    Add chopped sage and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add sausage to the skillet and break apart with a spoon. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  • Lower heat and pour in heavy cream. Simmer 2–3 minutes. Gradually stir in Parmesan until melted. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning.
  • Add cooked pasta and onions to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and lemon zest.

Notes

You can swap pork sausage for chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives. For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Add vegetables like spinach, kale, or peas for extra nutrition. Always grate Parmesan fresh for smoothest results. Gluten-free pasta works just as well.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 26gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 820mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 3mg
Keyword comfort food, creamy pasta, Parmesan sauce, sausage pasta, weeknight dinner
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