If you love hearty, comforting meals that feel gourmet but are easy enough for a weeknight dinner, this Creamy Italian Sausage Fettuccine Pasta is a must-try. Tender fettuccine noodles are tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with savory Italian sausage, Parmesan cheese, and just the right touch of seasoning.
This dish is cozy enough for a family dinner at home yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. With simple ingredients and step-by-step guidance, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy pasta dish on the table in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy: The sauce clings beautifully to the fettuccine, giving every bite indulgent flavor.
- Customizable: Use spicy sausage for a little heat, or add veggies for extra nutrition.
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy nights—ready in about half an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to make this delicious pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta – classic choice, but you can swap with spaghetti or linguine.
- 1 lb Italian sausage – mild or spicy; pork, chicken, or turkey all work.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for browning the sausage.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – adds deep Italian flavor.
- ½ cup heavy cream – creates that luscious, creamy base.
- ½ cup chicken broth – balances richness with savory depth.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – freshly grated is best.
- Salt & pepper – to taste.
- Fresh parsley, chopped – optional, for garnish.
Optional Add-Ins
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
- Extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente (about 10–12 minutes). Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. Brown the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage (casings removed if necessary) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (7–10 minutes).
3. Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
6. Garnish & Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks for Success
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Overcooked pasta will turn mushy when combined with the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps adjust sauce consistency.
- Don’t Add Cream Too Soon: Let the sausage cook fully before adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan and fresh garlic make a big difference in flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Swap in gluten-free pasta.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms as a substitute.
- Tomato Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes or a spoonful of tomato paste for a creamy tomato sauce variation.
- Extra Veggies: Spinach, kale, or zucchini pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with:
- A simple green salad or Caesar salad.
- Warm garlic bread or crusty baguette.
- A light Italian dessert like tiramisu or gelato.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce can separate.
Creamy Italian Sausage Fettuccine Pasta Recipe
Author: Linda Beverly
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk, not in casings)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Brown sausage until fully cooked (7–10 minutes).
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in cream and broth, simmering 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss pasta with sauce and sausage. Stir in Parmesan until creamy. Add pasta water if needed.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with parsley before serving.
✨ This Creamy Italian Sausage Fettuccine Pasta is comfort food at its finest—quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!