This creamy Sausage Alfredo Pasta is a comforting dish that combines hearty sausage with a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s quick to make, perfect for weekdays!
I love how filling this pasta is! Pair it with a simple salad, and you’ve got a meal that feels special without any fuss. Who doesn’t love pasta night? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, but you can use any pasta you like! Penne or even gluten-free alternatives work great if you have dietary needs.
Italian Sausage: The sausage adds great flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage is delicious too. Vegetarian sausage also exists if you’re looking for a meat-free option!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter dish, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but keep in mind the sauce will be less creamy. If you want a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream or cashew cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better into the sauce. If you’re in a pinch, pre-grated works as well. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free swap for a cheesy flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients, but if it’s unavailable, you can substitute it with kale or even frozen spinach (make sure to thaw and drain it first).
How Do I Get a Creamy Sauce Without Curdling?
Creating a perfectly creamy Alfredo sauce is all about the right temperature. Avoid cooking on too high a heat, as it can make the cream curdle.
- Start on medium heat when cooking your garlic and sausage before adding the cream.
- Once you add the cream and milk, lower the heat to medium-low to allow the sauce to simmer gently.
- Always stir the sauce frequently as it heats up to promote even cooking.
Adding the cheese gradually and stirring until melted helps prevent clumps, so incorporate it in small handfuls! And if it seems too thick, a splash more milk can help loosen the sauce.
How to Make Sausage Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or wide egg noodles
For The Sausage:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), sliced into rounds
For The Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus extra for garnish
For Added Nutrition:
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Optional:
- 1 tbsp butter for extra richness
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this recipe is about 30 minutes. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation, and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and satisfying meal to whip up any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the fettuccine or egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Browning the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage rounds to the pan, cooking them until they are browned on both sides and fully cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once they are done, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
4. Creating the Creamy Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and then pour in the heavy cream and whole milk. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine everything. This will help the sauce thicken and create a creamy base.
5. Adding Cheese and Seasoning:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted, and the sauce has thickened slightly. If you’d like, this is the time to add the optional butter for even more creaminess!
6. Incorporating the Spinach:
Add the fresh spinach leaves to the creamy sauce and let them cook until wilted, which should take around 1-2 minutes.
7. Bringing It All Together:
Now it’s time to return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together so the sausage and spinach are well combined with the sauce.
8. Mixing in the Pasta:
Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in that delicious Alfredo sauce.
9. Taste and Adjust:
Give your pasta a taste to see if it needs more salt or pepper to suit your liking!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Sausage Alfredo Pasta immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper. It goes wonderfully with garlic bread or a fresh side salad if you like!
Enjoy your rich, creamy, and comforting Sausage Alfredo Pasta! 🍝
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, or even a vegetarian sausage if you prefer a meat-free dish. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly before adding to the sauce!
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
To make Sausage Alfredo Pasta gluten-free, simply substitute the fettuccine with a gluten-free pasta option made from corn, rice, or legumes. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package for best results!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
For extra flavor, you can add crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or toss in some diced sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms along with the garlic. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also add a nice touch when serving!
