This creamy sausage Alfredo is a dreamy pasta dish that pairs rich sauce with delicious sausage bites. It’s quick to make and oh-so-satisfying!
I can’t resist the creamy goodness and tender pasta. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that feels like a hug on a plate? I always make extra for leftovers! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fettuccine Pasta: Fettuccine is great for this creamy sauce, but you can swap it for linguine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if you prefer.
Italian Sausage: Choose either mild or spicy based on your heat preference. If you want a different flavor, turkey sausage or ground beef works well, too. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage alternatives.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce the creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt can work, but the flavor will be less rich.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better! If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a nice substitute for a different flavor. Nutritional yeast can be a great vegan option.
Sage and Thyme: Fresh herbs elevate the dish! If they’re not available, dried herbs can be used—just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use less.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Alfredo Sauce?
The key to a great Alfredo sauce lies in the layering of flavors and the right technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook the sausage until it’s well-browned; this adds depth to your sauce.
- When sautéing onions, don’t rush! Cooking them slowly brings out their sweetness.
- Add the heavy cream and milk gently. Let it simmer, but don’t let it boil; boiling can cause the sauce to separate.
- Incorporate the cheese in batches for smooth melting. Stir constantly to create that creamy consistency.
- If the sauce gets too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help the sauce cling to the pasta.
By following these simple tips, you’ll create a fantastic creamy sausage Alfredo that’s sure to please!
How to Make Creamy Sausage Alfredo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
For the Sausage and Sauce:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- A handful of fresh sage leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: freshly chopped parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so in total, you’re looking at about 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a savory weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta but remember to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water—it’ll help adjust the sauce later. Set the pasta aside.
2. Browning the Sausage:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the crumbled sausage and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. This step builds great flavor!
3. Sautéing the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Then, toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take around 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant—yum!
4. Making the Creamy Sauce:
Now, pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring everything gently to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer—don’t let it boil! Stirring occasionally helps to prevent it from scorching.
5. Adding Flavor:
Add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and thyme. Continue to cook the sauce gently, allowing it to thicken slightly, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Season your sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Mixing in Sausage and Herbs:
Once your sauce has a lovely creamy consistency, return the browned sausage to the skillet along with the fresh sage leaves. Stir everything together to warm the sausage through and blend those delicious flavors.
7. Tossing the Pasta:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Toss the cooked fettuccine into the skillet with the sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta. If the sauce looks too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve your desired consistency.
8. Serving Up:
Serve your creamy sausage Alfredo immediately while it’s hot! Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh sage, thyme, and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. For a pop of color, you can add freshly chopped parsley on top!
Enjoy your creamy, savory Sausage Alfredo pasta! It’s the perfect comfort food for any night of the week! 🍝
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is the classic choice for Alfredo, you can also use linguine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if desired. Just make sure to cook according to package instructions!
Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
Yes! You can reduce calories by using turkey sausage instead of pork sausage and swapping heavy cream for a mix of Greek yogurt and milk. This will still keep the creaminess but lighten the dish a bit.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring in a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life!
Can I Freeze This Dish?
While you can freeze the Alfredo sauce, it’s best to use it fresh for optimal texture and flavor. If you do freeze, store the cooled dish in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
