Creamy Sausage Pasta is made with Italian sausage, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan, and fresh basil tossed with pasta for a rich and flavorful dinner.
From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito
This is one of those dinners that feels like it took all day to make but is secretly the easiest thing to throw together. You’ve got savory sausage, a simple tomato base, and just enough cream and Parmesan to make everything rich without being too heavy. It tastes like its been simmering all day but really comes together in no time at all.
I love this recipe because it hits that perfect balance between cozy and fresh. The cream smooths everything out, the Parmesan adds that salty bite, and the basil at the end keeps it from feeling too rich. It’s simple, reliable, and always a hit at my house!
Ingredients
This is everything you’ll need to make this incredible dinner. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.
- Italian Sausage – Bold, savory flavor and richness (the main flavor base)
- Olive Oil – Helps brown the sausage and build flavor
- Onion – Sweetness and depth as it cooks down
- Garlic – Classic savory backbone
- Tomato Paste- Adds lots of rich, condensed tomato flavor.
- Crushed Tomatoes – Body and a slightly tangy base for the sauce
- Heavy Cream – Creaminess that balances the acidity of the tomatoes
- Parmesan Cheese – Salty, nutty richness that thickens the sauce slightly
- Fresh Basil – Bright, fresh finish that lightens the dish
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors
- Black Pepper – Adds mild heat
- Garlic Powder – Boosts the garlic flavor
- Italian Seasoning – Adds herby depth and warmth
- Mezzi Rigatoni- The perfect size and shape to absorb the sauce and hold onto that sausage.
How To Make It
Here’s how to make this delicious pasta. You can find the full recipe ingredients list along with instructions on the recipe card below.
First, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Add the onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant then stir in the tomato paste for an additional 2 minutes.
Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the fresh basil.
PRO TIP: Don’t rush the simmer! That 20 minutes deepens the flavor and thickens the sauce.
Finally, toss with cooked pasta until fully coated and enjoy!
Can I Use A Different Sausage?
Yes, you can. Mild, hot, or even turkey sausage all work well here.
What Can I Serve This With?
I would keep the sides simple here and serve this with some homemade Italian Garlic Bread and a salad.
Storage
Let the pasta cool completely and place it into an air tight storage container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Tbs Olive Oil
- 1 Pound Ground Italian Sausage
- 1 Small Onion, chopped
- 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 Tbs Tomato Paste
- 28 Oz Crushed Tomatoes
- ½ Cup Heavy Cream (room temp)
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- ¼ Cup Fresh Basil, shredded
- 1 Tbs Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Pound Mezzi Rigatoni
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Add the onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant then stir in the tomato paste for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the fresh basil.
- Finally, toss with cooked pasta until fully coated and enjoy!
Video
Other Easy Pasta Recipes
If you like super easy to make past recipes like this one, you have to try The Best Vodka Sauce, Easy Alfredo Sauce and Marry Me Pasta.
Al Dente Diva says
Ha I’m so glad to hear that!! I would just pop it in the microwave. I feel like the best option.
Catherine says
Thanks for this recipe! My picky, herb-disliking dad even loved it!
Question: how would you recommend reheating it?
Bri and Cat says
This sounds like such a perfect weeknight dinner! I love recipes like this that feel rich and comforting but come together so easily. The combination of sausage, cream, and Parmesan with that fresh basil at the end sounds absolutely delicious, definitely one of those meals I’d keep on repeat!