This Creamy Sausage Alfredo is a delicious pasta dish that’s rich and comforting! It features flavorful sausage, creamy sauce, and your favorite pasta all mixed together in a quick and easy way.
Honestly, who can resist a bowl of pasta covered in a yummy sauce? I love making this on busy evenings when I want something tasty without too much fuss. Just boil, mix, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using bowtie (farfalle) pasta for its fun shape, but you can swap it with fettuccine, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Italian Sausage: You can choose mild or spicy sausage based on your taste. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, turkey or chicken sausage works well too!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can replace heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be as rich. Nondairy options like cashew or coconut cream can also work well.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, pre-grated cheese will do. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative for a similar flavor.
Sage Leaves: Crispy sage adds a nice touch, but feel free to skip it or use other herbs like basil or parsley if you prefer.
How Do I Get the Sauce Just Right?
A creamy sauce can be tricky, but here’s how to nail it! Start with medium heat when melting the butter and garlic. Adding the cream slowly helps to control the heat and prevents it from scalding. Stir continuously to keep everything smooth.
- Once the cream simmers, gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce coats the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick, just stir in a bit of your reserved pasta water — this helps thin it out nicely.
- Remember to season to taste with salt and pepper! It can make a big difference in bringing all the flavors together.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a smooth, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta. Enjoy every bite!
How to Make Creamy Sausage Alfredo
Ingredients You Will Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
For the Sausage and Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage links (mild or spicy), sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus extra for finishing
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
For Garnish:
- Fresh sage leaves (about 8-10 leaves), lightly fried until crispy
- Optional: Fresh thyme for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Creamy Sausage Alfredo recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend 10-15 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the pasta, while the rest of the time will be used to whip up that delicious creamy sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later!
2. Prepare the Sausage:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the sliced sausage pieces and cook them until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. Leave the delicious drippings in the pan!
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Once melted, throw in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and stir to combine. Then, add the drained pasta to the sauce, gently tossing everything together so that the pasta is well coated in that creamy goodness. If you feel your sauce is too thick, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up!
6. Finish with Fried Sage:
In a small separate pan, fry the sage leaves in a bit of butter or oil for a minute or two until they’re crispy. Transfer them to a paper towel to drain excess oil.
7. Serve It Up:
It’s time to plate your pasta! Serve the creamy sausage Alfredo on dishes, garnishing with the crispy sage leaves, extra grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. If you like, add some fresh thyme for a touch of color and flavor.
8. Enjoy!
Savor every delicious bite of your creamy, comforting Sausage Alfredo pasta. It’s a perfect dinner treat that’s both easy and satisfying!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie (farfalle) pasta works great, you can use fettuccine, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, but keep in mind that the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free version, try using cashew cream or coconut cream!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Creamy Sausage Alfredo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage and sauce ahead of time! Just store them separately from the pasta and heat everything together before serving. This allows for quick assembly on busy nights!
