Rich, savory, and satisfying, this Creamy Sausage and Mushroom Pasta makes for an easy yet elegant meal. With the perfect combination of juicy sausage, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, it’s sure to be a family favorite!
Ingredients
- Penne or fettuccine: 400g
- Italian sausage: 500g, casings removed
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Mushrooms: 250g, sliced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Heavy cream: 1 ½ cups
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1 cup, plus extra for serving
- Chicken broth: 1 cup
- Fresh thyme: 1 teaspoon, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms
- In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté until they release their moisture and are golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the heavy cream and fresh thyme, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken.
5. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.
Suggested Pairings
Sauces
- Garlic Butter Drizzle: Melted garlic butter drizzled over the pasta for an extra layer of richness.
- Spicy Marinara Sauce: A small side of spicy marinara can be served for dipping crusty bread.
Salads
- Classic Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan with a creamy Caesar dressing for a complementary crunch.
- Arugula and Cherry Tomato Salad: A simple salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Simple Green Salad: Mixed greens with cucumbers, red onions, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing side.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 760
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.
Enjoy this Creamy Sausage and Mushroom Pasta as a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s an ideal comfort dish that will impress family and guests alike!