This Creamy Sausage Alfredo is a warm hug in a bowl! Made with tasty sausage, creamy Alfredo sauce, and pasta, it’s a dish that everyone will love.
Who doesn’t enjoy a rich and cheesy meal? I often make it on busy nights because it’s quick and satisfying. Plus, you can never have too much cheese, right? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love fettuccine for its thick, flat shape that hugs the sauce well. If you prefer, tagliatelle or even penne can be delightful substitutes. Just ensure you adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose.
Italian Sausage: Opt for either mild or spicy sausage, depending on your taste. For a lighter alternative, chicken or turkey sausage works nicely too! Or, use veggie crumbles for a meatless option.
Heavy Cream: If you want a lighter dish, you can replace some heavy cream with half-and-half or use whole milk. Just keep in mind that the sauce will be less creamy.
Sage Leaves: Fresh sage adds an amazing flavor. If you can’t find it, consider using dried sage, but use less—about one teaspoon since it’s more concentrated. Thyme or parsley can be good alternatives too.
How Can I Get the Sauce to Be Smooth and Creamy?
Making a silky sauce is key to a great Alfredo! Here’s how:
- After sautéing the garlic, don’t rush when you add the cream and milk. Let it simmer gently to thicken—around 3-4 minutes should do the trick.
- When adding Parmesan, do so a little at a time while stirring. This ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce without clumping.
- If your sauce turns out thicker than you’d like, don’t fret! Just slowly mix in some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.
Following these tips will help you achieve a luscious and creamy Alfredo sauce that clings beautifully to your pasta! Enjoy making this comforting meal!
Delicious Creamy Sausage Alfredo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta (or tagliatelle)
For the Sausage:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed, formed into small meatballs or crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper, or to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh sage leaves (about 10 leaves), roughly chopped or left whole for frying
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Estimated Time:
You’ll need about 30 minutes in total: 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. This quick and delicious dish is perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water for later.
2. Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat. If needed, add a bit of olive oil, then add the sausage. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, around 7-8 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell the lovely aroma. Next, pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring everything together. Let it simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes to thicken a bit.
4. Make it Cheesy:
Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s all melted and the sauce is smooth. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Fry Sage Leaves:
In a small pan, heat a little olive oil and quickly fry the sage leaves until they become crispy, which should take about 1 minute. Then, remove them and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked sausage back into the Alfredo sauce and stir to combine. Then, gently mix in the cooked pasta until it’s well coated with that delicious sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate your creamy sausage Alfredo, topping it off with those crispy sage leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if you’d like. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and serve immediately!
This Creamy Sausage Alfredo is a wonderful blend of flavors and textures, making it a comforting yet satisfying dish that everyone will love. Enjoy every creamy bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and tagliatelle work great, you can also use penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta if you need a substitute. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or use sautéed mushrooms for a hearty alternative. Portobello or cremini mushrooms would be excellent choices!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture and heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Freeze Creamy Sausage Alfredo?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the dish! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently, adding a bit of milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
