This Sausage Alfredo Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting! With tasty sausage and rich Alfredo sauce, it’s a meal that feels like a warm hug on your plate.
I love how this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s like a party in your mouth, and I always go back for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bowtie Pasta: I love bowtie pasta for its cute shape and ability to hold onto the sauce. However, you can easily swap it with fettuccine, penne, or any pasta you prefer if bowtie isn’t available.
Italian Sausage: Use mild sausage for a gentle flavor or spicy if you want a kick. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage also works well.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich texture. If you want to lighten things up, you can substitute half-and-half or use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and offers a richer flavor compared to pre-grated cheese. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Make a Creamy Alfredo Sauce?
Creating a smooth, creamy Alfredo sauce is all about technique. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Start by sautéing garlic in butter on low heat to release its flavor without burning.
- Once fragrant, slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk, allowing the mixture to simmer gently. This helps develop the sauce’s creaminess.
- Gradually add the Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously. This will help avoid clumps and ensure a smooth texture.
Remember to taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy your creamy sauce with pasta and sausage for a comforting meal!
How to Make Sausage Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
For the Sauce and Sausage:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), sliced into rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sausage Alfredo Pasta will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes gathering and prepping your ingredients, and then about 20 minutes cooking the dish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s at a rolling boil, add the bowtie pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for now.
2. Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced sausage and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. After it’s cooked, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same pan where you cooked the sausage, lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about a minute until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn!
4. Create the Creamy Base:
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring continuously to combine. Raise the heat slightly and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens, so keep stirring!
5. Add the Cheese:
Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring. Keep mixing until the sauce thickens and turns creamy. Taste your sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked sausage and drained pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Serve It Up:
Take the skillet off the heat and transfer your delightful pasta to a serving bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and some extra Parmesan cheese on top for that final touch.
8. Enjoy!
Your creamy, comforting Sausage Alfredo Pasta is now ready! Serve immediately and savor every bite of this delicious dish.
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for bowtie (farfalle) pasta, you can substitute it with fettuccine, penne, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream for a lighter sauce. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or an unsweetened almond milk-based cream alternative for a similar consistency.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta a day in advance if needed. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently and toss it with freshly cooked pasta. This helps keep the pasta from becoming mushy.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover Sausage Alfredo Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta and warm it slowly on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
