Sausage Pasta Loaded with Browned Sausage

Nothing beats a hearty bowl of Sausage Pasta loaded with browned sausage when you need comfort food fast!

I created this recipe for busy weeknights when my family craves something rich and satisfying.

You’ll have this delicious pasta ready in under 40 minutes with pantry staples.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Pasta Loaded with Browned Sausage

This recipe wins hearts with its perfect balance of savory Italian sausage, creamy sauce, and tender pasta.

I love how the browned sausage creates those beautiful caramelized bits that add incredible depth.

Your kitchen will smell amazing, and cleanup is surprisingly easy since everything comes together in one skillet!

This Sausage Pasta loaded with browned sausage always brings a smile to my face just like my Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake and Easy Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta.

Ingredients You Need for Sausage Pasta Loaded with Browned Sausage

Here’s what you’ll need for this comforting pasta dish:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy – your choice!)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (adds sweetness and depth)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (fresh is best, but jarred works too)
• 12 oz penne pasta (rigatoni or ziti work beautifully as alternatives)
• 1 cup chicken stock (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream (creates that luscious sauce)
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated melts better)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed for extra flavor)
• 3 cups fresh spinach (baby spinach wilts perfectly)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Substitution Tips: You can swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version. Half-and-half works instead of heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

How to Make Sausage Pasta Loaded with Browned Sausage

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove sausage from casings and add to the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes until beautifully browned and cooked through. Remove sausage and set aside.

Step 2: In the same skillet, add diced onion to the sausage drippings. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Pour chicken stock into the skillet with onions, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the sauce reduces by about one-third.

Step 5: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, stirring until spinach wilts completely.

Step 6: Return browned sausage to the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

My Go-To Tips for Getting That Perfect Browned Sausage Goodness

Don’t rush browning the sausage – those caramelized bits create incredible flavor! I always break the sausage into varied sizes for texture.

Keep your heat at medium-low when adding cheese to prevent curdling.

Fresh spinach works better than frozen here since it wilts perfectly without adding excess moisture. Taste and adjust seasoning at the end!

Can I make this sausage pasta ahead of time?

While this dish tastes best fresh, you can prepare it up to 2 days ahead.

Store covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

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What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

Cherry tomatoes work wonderfully! Just halve about 1 cup and add them with the spinach. Regular diced tomatoes can substitute too, though drain them well first.

Can I freeze leftover sausage pasta?

I don’t recommend freezing cream-based pasta dishes as the sauce tends to separate when thawed.

However, leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?

Keep your heat low when adding cheese and stir constantly. If the sauce does break, whisk in a tablespoon of cold cream or pasta water to bring it back together.

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How I Like to Serve My Sausage Pasta for a Cozy Meal

This sausage pasta loaded with browned sausage makes a complete meal on its own, but I love serving it with warm crusty bread and a simple green salad.

It’s perfect for Sunday family dinners or when you’re entertaining friends.

I sometimes pair it with roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.