Creamy Sausage Pasta is a fast, comforting, and hearty weeknight dinner. Sliced sausages are pan-seared until golden brown, then simmered in a garlic-infused tomato sauce enriched with cooking cream and melted sandwich cheese slices for an ultra-velvety texture.
Tossed with tender pasta and garnished with fresh coriander, this effortless one-pan dish combines rich savory flavors with a smooth, cheesy sauce that the whole family will love. It comes together in under 20 minutes using simple pantry staples!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 3–4 portions
Ingredients
- 300g (10 oz) pasta (Penne, Fusilli, or Rigatoni)
- 4–5 sausages (beef, chicken, or pork), sliced into rounds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or passata)
- ½ cup cooking cream (or heavy cream)
- 3 slices sandwich cheese (American, Cheddar, or Gouda)
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh coriander (cilantro) or parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sear the Sausages
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage rounds and fry for 3 to 5 minutes until lightly browned and golden on both sides.
3. Add Garlic and Tomato Base
Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausages and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the tomato sauce, then season with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Make It Creamy & Cheesy
Pour in the cooking cream and add the slices of sandwich cheese. Stir continuously over low heat until the cheese completely melts and blends into a smooth, creamy tomato-cheese sauce.
5. Toss the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce. Toss thoroughly until every piece of pasta is fully coated in the creamy sausage sauce. (If the sauce is too thick, splash in a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta cooking water to reach desired consistency).
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle generously with freshly chopped coriander, and serve hot directly from the pan!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Save Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps bind the rich cream sauce to the pasta noodles for a silky finish.
- Don’t Overcook Garlic: Add minced garlic after browning the sausages so it releases its aroma without burning or turning bitter.
- Use Good Melting Cheese: Sandwich cheese slices melt rapidly to create an extra glossy, smooth sauce without clumping.
Tasty Customization Ideas
- Add Vegetables: Toss in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes while cooking the sausages.
- Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or spicy Italian sausage for a hot kick.
- Swap the Cheese: Replace sandwich cheese slices with shredded mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or grated Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Creamy Sausage Pasta piping hot with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete, comforting meal!
