Name: Creamy Italian Sausage Fettuccine Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces fettuccine pasta; 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredients

12 ounces fettuccine pasta

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Step 2: Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside.

Step 4: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil for about a minute.

Step 5: Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.

Step 6: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 7: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 8: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until well combined.

Step 9: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

Step 10: Stir in Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if desired for extra heat.

Step 11: Gently add the drained fettuccine to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water as needed.

Step 12: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 13: Using tongs, twirl the fettuccine onto plates or into bowls, ensuring even distribution of sauce and sausage.

Step 14: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Step 15: Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly.

Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and texture.

If you prefer a spicier dish, choose spicy Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.

Reserve pasta water carefully—it helps to loosen the sauce and improve its texture without thinning the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, feel free to use other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or linguine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free cheese substitute, though the flavor and texture will be different from the original.