Description
A rich, creamy pasta dish with savory Italian sausage, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, ready in just 35 minutes for an easy yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Reduce heat to low, pour in heavy cream, and stir. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.
- Stir in dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Add spinach, arugula, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
Try a blend of cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for more depth.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
