Creamy Italian Sausage Fettuccine Pasta Recipe: Rustic Comfort

Creamy Italian sausage weaves magic through this fettuccine pasta, promising a comfort meal that whispers pure culinary delight.

Savory sausage brings robust flavors dancing across tender noodles in a luxurious sauce.

Rich cream coats each strand with velvety smoothness, creating an irresistible blend of textures.

Garlic and herbs peek through the delectable mixture, adding depth and complexity.

Simple ingredients combine effortlessly, turning an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality dish with minimal preparation.

You’ll want to savor every single delicious bite of this incredible pasta creation.

Storage and Reheating Italian Sausage Fettuccine

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain texture.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Pasta will keep well for 2-3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or extra chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through, approximately 3-5 minutes.

Pairing Ideas for Italian Sausage Fettuccine

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a full-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty sausage and creamy sauce. The wine's acidity cuts through the heaviness while enhancing the dish's robust flavors.
• Refresh with Crisp Salad Side: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness. Toss fresh greens with shaved Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty dressing for a bright, tangy contrast.
• Match with Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious cream sauce. Brush Italian bread with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic and herbs, then toast until golden brown for the perfect accompaniment.
• Elevate with Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil over the pasta to add a burst of fresh flavor and color. The herbs will provide a light, aromatic touch that cuts through the dish's creamy intensity.

Italian Sausage Fettuccine Variations

• Gluten-Free Pasta Delight: Swap regular fettuccine with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage, crumbled tofu, or roasted mushrooms for a meat-free version packed with protein.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Option: Substitute fettuccine with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb alternative that keeps the creamy sauce intact.
• Dairy-Free Cream Alternative: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free adaptation.

FAQs

• What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Italian sausage is ideal, preferably with a mild or spicy flavor profile. Ground pork sausage without casing provides the best texture and allows easy browning in the skillet.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular fettuccine with gluten-free pasta. Ensure all other ingredients like chicken broth are also gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s integrity.

• How can I make the sauce creamier?

Reserve more pasta water and add gradually while stirring. The starchy water helps create a smoother, more cohesive sauce that clings better to the pasta.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and sausage ahead of time. Store separately in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding fresh pasta when ready to serve to maintain optimal texture.

Creamy Italian Sausage Fettuccine Details

• Indulge in a soul-warming pasta dish that combines creamy sauce, hearty sausage, and perfectly cooked fettuccine for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Delight everyone at the dinner table with a crowd-pleasing recipe that balances rich, savory flavors and creamy textures kids and adults will absolutely love.
• Prepare a delicious, satisfying meal in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy families looking for a hassle-free dinner solution that doesn't compromise on taste.

Ingredients Needed for Italian Sausage Fettuccine

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful and rich meat that provides the primary protein and adds depth to the pasta dish.

• Fettuccine Pasta: A classic wide, flat Italian pasta that perfectly absorbs and holds the creamy sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: A combination that creates a smooth, rich base for the sauce with balanced liquid consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: A classic Italian cheese that adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds essential depth and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Standard seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the pasta.

• Olive Oil: A key ingredient for sautéing the sausage and providing a smooth cooking base.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright herb that adds color and a fresh, light flavor to the finished dish.

Cooking Steps for Italian Sausage Fettuccine

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Grab a big pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop in the fettuccine and let it dance in the bubbling water until it’s perfectly tender.

Keep an eye on the cooking time suggested on the package, typically around 10-12 minutes.

Once done, carefully drain the pasta but save a small splash of the starchy water for later magic.

Step 2: Sizzle the Sausage

Warm up a large skillet with a drizzle of olive oil.

Unwrap the Italian sausage and crumble it into the hot pan.

Use a wooden spoon to break it into delicious bite-sized pieces.

Let the sausage sizzle and brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Cook for about 7-10 minutes until it’s fully cooked and has a gorgeous golden-brown color.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Toss in the minced garlic and let it dance with the sausage.

Stir quickly for about a minute – you’ll know it’s ready when a mouth-watering fragrance starts to fill the air.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the silky heavy cream and savory chicken broth.

Gently stir everything together, watching the liquid transform into a luscious sauce.

Let it simmer and bubble softly, thickening up for 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Introduce the cooked pasta to the sausage and cream mixture.

Toss everything together, coating each strand of fettuccine with the luxurious sauce.

If it looks a bit thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and watch it melt into creamy perfection.

Season with a pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper.

Scatter some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve immediately and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Tips for Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

• Cook fettuccine just until al dente to prevent mushy pasta, ensuring a perfect bite and authentic Italian dining experience.
• Keep some starchy pasta water to help sauce cling better, adjust consistency, and create a silkier, more cohesive dish.
• Break sausage into small pieces while cooking to maximize caramelization and develop deep, rich flavor throughout the sauce.
• Simmer sauce gently to let it reduce and thicken naturally, creating a luxurious coating without becoming too heavy or runny.
• Freshly grate Parmesan cheese directly into the sauce for maximum melting and a more intense, authentic Italian taste profile.

Creamy Italian Sausage Fettuccine Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Creamy Italian Sausage Fettuccine promises a delightful journey through Italian culinary traditions. Rich pasta strands intertwine with spicy sausage and silky cream sauce, creating a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (bulk, not in casings)

Pasta and Dairy:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine pasta
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook fettuccine for 10-12 minutes until perfectly tender, maintaining an al dente texture. Carefully drain the pasta, preserving 1/4 cup of starchy cooking liquid.
2. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Introduce Italian sausage, methodically crumbling the meat with a sturdy utensil. Sear the sausage until it develops a rich, golden-brown exterior and cooks completely through, approximately 7-10 minutes.
3. Introduce finely chopped garlic to the sizzling sausage, allowing the aromatics to bloom and release their intense fragrance for roughly 60 seconds.
4. Create a luxurious sauce by pouring heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet. Gently whisk the liquids, allowing them to marry and reduce. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and develops a velvety consistency.
5. Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the skillet, carefully folding the noodles into the creamy sausage mixture. Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s silkiness and ensure complete coating of the fettuccine.
6. Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts seamlessly into the sauce. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to elevate the flavor profile. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a vibrant finish and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize sausage selection by using mild, spicy, or plant-based alternatives to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Reserve pasta water strategically to adjust sauce thickness and help ingredients cling better, creating a more cohesive dish.
• Enhance flavor depth by adding red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine during sausage cooking for extra complexity.
• Reduce cream sauce calories by substituting half-and-half or Greek yogurt for heavy cream without compromising rich texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 665
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg