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–+ servings
Homemade Italian sausage pasta served on a white plate.
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4.99 from 255 votes

Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

Easy cheesy Italian sausage pasta is creamy, delicious, and perfectly spiced. It's a family favorite ready in only 20 minutes!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Servings: 5
Author: Kristyn Merkley

Ingredients

  • 1 (16-ounce) package bow tie pasta
  • 1 pound mild Italian sausage
  • ½ cup chopped onion, optional
  • 1½ teaspoons minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
  • 2 (14.5-ounce) cans Italian stewed tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage, onion, garlic, and pepper flakes, stirring, for 4–5 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in tomatoes, cream, salt, basil, and ½ cup Parmesan and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered and stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes or until thickened.
  • Add pasta to sausage mixture and toss.
  • Garnish with remaining ½ cup Parmesan before serving.

Video

Notes

Recipe tips.
  • We love this sauce mixed with pasta, but it can also be served over a bed of White Rice, Cauliflower Rice, Mashed Potatoes, or Baked Potatoes.
  • Add sauteed veggies such as zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to this easy pasta recipe.
  • Swap out the mild Italian sausage for chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or spicy sausage.
  • We love to make a double batch, so we have one to eat now and one to freeze for later.
Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 3-4 months. 
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly. Add a small amount of cream as needed to revitalize the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second increments until warm throughout.
For more substitutions and tips, check out the full recipe post

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 650kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 167mg | Sodium: 1269mg | Potassium: 368mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1286IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 248mg | Iron: 1mg