This creamy Sausage Penne Pasta is one of our go to dinners when we want something hearty, flavorful, and easy to make.
This pasta recipe has Italian sausage, cream sauce, and penne coated in cheesy goodness, which is why it’s so loved. And we what love most is that it comes together quickly with simple ingredients and is perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry family. This is definitely one we keep in rotation because it is easy and always a hit.
If you love this recipe, be sure to try Baked Ziti, Chicken Alfredo, Spaghetti Bake, and Italian Sausage Pasta. And be sure to serve it with Cheesy Garlic Bread or some fresh Caesar Salad.
Why you’ll love it + Why it works:
- Quick weeknight dinner. Best part is this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight meal and is on the table in less than 30 minutes.
- Rich and creamy. A flavorful sauce coats every bite of pasta and sausage.
- Creamy sauce, fast. Heavy cream and Parmesan thicken quickly into a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Flavor is built in. Italian sausage and stewed tomatoes season the whole dish, so you do not need a long spice list.
Sausage Penne Pasta Ingredients
- Penne pasta (16 ounces): Holds the creamy sauce well and provides a hearty base for the dish. Any similarly sized pasta will work, such as fusilli.
- Italian sausage mild (1 pound): Adds rich, savory flavor and makes the dish filling. Mild keeps it family friendly, but spicy can be used for more heat. You can also use ground sausage, chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or spicy sausage.
- Minced garlic (2 teaspoons): Brings bold flavor that enhances the sauce. Fresh garlic works best.
- Italian stewed tomatoes drained and chopped (1½ to 2 cans): Adds texture and a slightly sweet, tangy flavor that balances the cream.
- Heavy whipping cream (1½ cups): Creates a rich, smooth sauce that coats the pasta.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Dried basil (¼ teaspoon): Adds a light herb flavor that complements the sausage and tomatoes.
- Parmesan cheese shredded divided (1 cup): Melts into the sauce for extra flavor and is also used as a garnish on top. Freshly grated works best. Use different cheeses, such as Mozzarella or an Italian cheese blend.
How to make Sausage Penne Pasta
PASTA. Cook pasta according to package directions.
SAUSAGE. In a separate pan, cook the sausage and garlic over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink; drain.
SAUCE. Stir in the tomatoes, cream, salt, basil, and ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 6-8 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
TOSS + SERVE. Drain pasta; toss with sausage mixture. Garnish with Parmesan cheese.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Do not overcook the pasta since it will continue to absorb sauce when mixed.
- Drain excess grease from the sausage to keep the sauce from becoming too heavy.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
- Add sautéed veggies such as sliced bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms. Sauté by adding a bit of olive oil to a pan. Once the oil is hot, add the veggies and stir until tender.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
Sausage Penne Pasta Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, mild
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1½-2 cans Italian stewed tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (divided)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- In a separate pan, cook the sausage and garlic over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until meat is no longer pink; drain.
- Stir in the tomatoes, cream, salt, basil and ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 6-8 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta; toss with sausage mixture.
- Garnish with parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta since it will continue to absorb sauce when mixed.
- Drain excess grease from the sausage to keep the sauce from becoming too heavy.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
- Add sautéed veggies such as sliced bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms. Sauté by adding a bit of olive oil to a pan. Once the oil is hot, add the veggies and stir until tender.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat over medium low in a skillet on the stove top. Add a little more milk or cream to help smooth out the texture.
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This recipe was first shared March, 2022.
Simple. And delicious. SIMPLY DELICIOUS!!
Thank you!
I’m happy you enjoyed it. Thanks for the sweet comment!
This was delicious! It came together very quickly.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Delicious, fast and easy ☆☆☆☆☆
Made this tonight and my family loved it. They asked me to make more next time.
I love white penne pasta and was surprised at how much simply using sausage Wallis change the dish. It was absolutely delicious.
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
The sausage in this pasta adds so much flavor! So creamy and hearty too!
We love pasta anything. A simple dish that’s yummy and on the table in no time.
I’m a sucker for pasta & sausage is my favorite!! Very delicious recipe!