If you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this Creamy Sausage Pasta Skillet is just the ticket! I remember one busy evening when my son, Jake, came home from soccer practice starving. This dish saved the day and filled his belly with cheesy goodness in no time. Cheesy Pasta And Sausage is not just easy to make; it’s a family favorite that everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze.
- You can whip it up in under 30 minutes.
- The creamy sauce is rich and comforting, perfect for busy nights.
- It’s versatile and can be customized with your favorite veggies.
Pure Comfort
This creamy pasta dish is pure comfort food. The combination of savory sausage and cheesy pasta is irresistible. Plus, it’s a great way to bring the family together around the dinner table.
What You Need
- 8 oz 8 oz pasta (like penne or rotini) – You can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as a substitute.
- 1 lb 1 lb cooked sausage (like Polish or smoked) – Feel free to use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – Onions add sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 3 cloves 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic enhances the flavor; you can use garlic powder if needed.
- 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream – For a lighter version, use half-and-half.
- 1 cup 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – You can substitute with mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp Italian seasoning – This adds a lovely herb flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust based on your preference.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prep the ingredients a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it and set it aside. You want it al dente, so it holds up well in the skillet.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for your dish.
- Next, toss in the minced garlic and cooked sausage. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sausage is heated through and the garlic is aromatic. The combination will make your kitchen smell amazing.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. You should see bubbles forming around the edges.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the shredded cheddar cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and coats the pasta. It should look creamy and inviting.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a final stir and let it cook for another minute. This ensures all the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the creamy goodness! You can garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Make It Perfect
- For extra veggies, consider adding spinach or bell peppers when you sauté the onion.
- If you want a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
- Make sure to taste your dish before serving; seasoning can vary based on the sausage you use.
Mix It Up
- Swap out the sausage for ground beef or turkey for a different flavor.
- Add a splash of white wine to the cream for a richer taste.
- Mix in some frozen peas or broccoli for added nutrition.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a side salad for a fresh crunch.
- Garlic bread pairs perfectly to soak up the creamy sauce.
- A light white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the dish well.
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FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients and assemble it before cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
Yes, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
What type of sausage works best?
Polish sausage or smoked sausage adds great flavor, but feel free to use your favorite.
Conclusion
This Creamy Sausage Pasta Skillet is a delightful, easy dinner that your family will ask for again and again. With its cheesy goodness and comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a weeknight staple. So, gather your loved ones and dig in!
Creamy Sausage Pasta Skillet Easy Cheesy Weeknight Dinner
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Main
- 8 oz pasta like penne or rotini; whole wheat or gluten-free can be substituted
- 1 lb cooked sausage like Polish or smoked; turkey sausage for lighter option
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced; garlic powder can be used instead
- 1 cup heavy cream half-and-half can be used for lighter version
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese mozzarella or dairy-free cheese can substitute
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning adds herb flavor
- to taste salt and pepper adjust based on preference
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cooked sausage to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer for about 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Add cooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until cheese melts and coats pasta.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir and cook for another minute to meld flavors.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with extra cheese or fresh herbs.