This creamy Sausage Alfredo Pasta mixes tasty sausage with a rich and velvety Alfredo sauce, making it super cozy and satisfying. Perfect for a quick dinner!
Each bite is a warm hug! I love how easy it is to whip up. Just cook the pasta and sausage, stir in the sauce, and voilà—dinner is served!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fettuccine Pasta: This is the classic choice for Alfredo dishes due to its broad shape that holds sauce well. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free pasta or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lighter option.
Italian Sausage: Use mild for a gentle flavor or spicy for a kick! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner version. Vegetarian sausage is also a great option if you’re avoiding meat.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its richness. If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half or a combination of milk and flour to thicken can work, but the texture won’t be as creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts into the sauce smoothly. If you’re lactose intolerant, consider using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Make a Creamy Alfredo Sauce?
Creating a smooth Alfredo sauce is the key to this pasta dish! Timing and temperature are important here, so follow these steps:
- After cooking garlic, reducing the heat helps prevent burning, which can give a bitter taste.
- Slowly adding heavy cream and milk gives you more control over the thickness. Stir constantly to combine.
- Simmering the sauce for just a few minutes allows it to thicken naturally without curdling.
- Always remove the pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent clumping. Stir until the sauce is nice and smooth!
By following these tips, your Alfredo sauce will turn out rich and creamy every time!
How to Make Sausage Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
For the Sausage and Sauce:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), sliced or crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Sausage Alfredo Pasta will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. It involves roughly 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking time. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. When it’s bubbling away, add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
2. Preparing the Sausage:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced or crumbled Italian sausage and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally. Once done, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Making the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Then reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter until it melts. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring continuously to combine.
4. Thickening the Sauce:
Bring the cream mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes. You’ll notice it begins to thicken slightly during this time. Make sure to keep stirring to prevent it from sticking.
5. Adding the Cheese:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to your sauce, stirring until it’s fully melted and the sauce is nice and smooth. Season your Alfredo sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you’re using spinach, add it now and allow it to wilt in the sauce for a minute or two.
6. Combining Everything:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and then add the drained fettuccine. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce and sausage.
7. Serving Up:
Serve your delicious Sausage Alfredo Pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy every bite!
Let this rich and creamy dish bring comfort to your table! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta works great too!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and a bit of flour to help thicken the sauce. Just keep in mind it may not be as rich and creamy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help refresh the sauce.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! You can add a variety of vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or peas. Just sauté them briefly with the sausage or add them to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them crisp and vibrant.
