Cheesy Sausage Pasta: Discover a Creamy Delight

Cheesy Sausage Pasta is a rich, hearty, and ultra-satisfying dish that brings together the bold flavor of sausage with a creamy, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It’s a quick and easy dinner that I love for busy weeknights or when I’m craving pure comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this pasta because it hits all the right notes—savory, creamy, cheesy, and just a bit indulgent. The sausage brings a bold, meaty flavor, while the creamy sauce makes it extra comforting. It’s a one-pan meal with simple ingredients that come together fast, and I can easily adapt it with whatever I have in my kitchen.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground sausage (mild or spicy)

• Pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)

• Onion (chopped)

• Garlic (minced)

• Chicken broth

• Heavy cream

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Olive oil or butter

• Salt and pepper

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. I drain it and set it aside.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil or butter and sauté the onion until soft.

3. I add the garlic and cook for another minute, then add the ground sausage, breaking it apart and cooking until browned.

4. I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits.

5. I let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, then stir in the cooked pasta.

6. I add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses and stir until the sauce is creamy and the pasta is well-coated.

7. I season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with parsley if I have it on hand.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I use Italian sausage for more herbs and spices, or smoked sausage for extra depth. I’ve also added spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a veggie boost. For more heat, I add red pepper flakes or use hot sausage.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce and keep it smooth.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, I slice or chop pre-cooked sausage and brown it briefly in the skillet before proceeding with the sauce.

What pasta works best?

I like using short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini because they hold the creamy sauce really well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I make it ahead and reheat it gently. I just add a little liquid when reheating to bring the creaminess back.

Can I freeze this pasta?

I don’t recommend freezing it, since the dairy-based sauce can separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge within a few days.

What cheese melts best for this recipe?

Cheddar and Parmesan work beautifully. I’ve also used Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a gooier finish.

Conclusion

Cheesy Sausage Pasta is one of those easy dinners I keep on repeat. It’s bold, creamy, and completely comforting—everything I want in a one-pan meal. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or just indulging myself with a cheesy pasta night, this recipe never disappoints.

Print