Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Fettuccine is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender fettuccine noodles coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with flavorful Italian sausage. Enhanced with aromatic garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
Sauce and Sausage
- 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)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 8 to 10 minutes) until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
- Heat Oil and Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and heat for about a minute. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze Skillet: Carefully pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing well. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season Sauce: Add the Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes as desired.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Gently add the drained fettuccine to the skillet and toss until well coated in the sauce. Adjust sauce thickness again with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if necessary. Using tongs, twirl the fettuccine onto plates or into bowls, ensuring each serving is nicely coated with sauce and sausage.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese over each serving. Serve immediately while hot and creamy for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Add red pepper flakes to add a spicy kick.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and imparts a richer flavor than pre-grated varieties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian sausage fettuccine, creamy pasta, sausage pasta recipe, easy fettuccine, Italian cream sauce
