There’s something deeply satisfying about a bowl of Cheesy Sausage Pasta that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. This savory sausage meets gooey cheese dish is perfect for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering, offering creamy pasta coated in a rich tomato sauce with just the right kick from Italian sausage. As a busy home cook, I love how this recipe comes together in about 45 minutes, with just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking. It’s beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and packs around 620 calories per serving—just the right amount of comfort without sending your grocery bill through the roof.
I can’t help but smile thinking about how the spicy sausage dances with fresh herbs and melted mozzarella and Parmesan, creating a luscious sauce that clings to penne or rigatoni like a dream. With dried oregano and basil bringing a subtle earthy fragrance, and a splash of heavy cream twisting everything into a silky perfection, each bite becomes a celebration of simple ingredients coming together. Trust me, once you make this at home, you’ll be reaching for that casserole dish again and again—because who doesn’t love pasta night elevated to show-stopping levels of cheesy goodness?
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHEESY SAUSAGE PASTA
Every great recipe starts with quality ingredients, and this Cheesy Sausage Pasta is no exception. Here’s a breakdown of the key players that transform simple pantry staples into a luscious, comforting dish:
- Pasta
The foundation of this meal, shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are perfect for trapping the creamy tomato sauce in their curves. Choose your favorite to soak up every drop of flavor.
- Ground Italian sausage
This brings the signature savory and slightly spicy notes. Its fat renders down during cooking to infuse the sauce with rich, meaty goodness.
- Olive oil
A light coating helps sauté aromatics without smoking, and adds a hint of fruity depth.
- Onion
When finely chopped and softened, it creates a sweet, mellow base that balances the meatiness and acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garlic
Just a few cloves give a punchy, aromatic lift, brightening the sauce with its fragrant warmth.
- Crushed tomatoes
The core of the sauce, offering bright acidity and a rustic texture that blends beautifully with cream.
- Heavy cream
Rounds out the sauce, making it luxuriously silky and mellowing the tomato’s tang.
- Dried oregano
Adds an earthy, almost peppery note that complements the sausage’s herbs.
- Dried basil
Provides a sweet, aromatic flourish that reminds you of sun-ripened Italian gardens.
- Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors—season to taste for a perfectly balanced sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese
Melts into gooey strands, creating that irresistible cheesy pull we all crave.
- Parmesan cheese
Offers a sharp, nutty kick that layers in extra umami and depth.
- Fresh parsley or basil
A bright garnish that cuts through the richness and adds a fresh, herbaceous finish.
HOW TO MAKE CHEESY SAUSAGE PASTA
Ready to dive into the cooking process? This recipe walks you through simple steps to build layers of flavor, from browning the sausage to melting that glorious cheese topping. Follow along and you’ll have a creamy, delicious pasta dish in no time.
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—it should still have a slight bite. Drain well and set aside so it’s ready to toss with the sauce later.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until it’s softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until you can smell that fragrant hint of garlic.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and heavy cream, then sprinkle in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low, return the cooked sausage to the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes so all the flavors can meld together beautifully.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each piece in the creamy tomato sauce.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the pasta. Cover the skillet and let it cook on low heat for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and deliciously gooey.
8. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley or basil before serving hot and bubbly.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHEESY SAUSAGE PASTA
Once your Cheesy Sausage Pasta is bubbling with melted cheese and savory sausage, it’s time to think about the perfect accompaniments to round out the meal. A well-chosen side or garnish can elevate each bite and make dinner feel extra special, whether you’re enjoying a casual weeknight feast or hosting friends. Here are four ways to serve this dish that highlight its cozy appeal while adding texture, freshness, and a little flair:
- Garlic Herb Bread
Serve warm slices of crusty bread slathered with garlic butter and sprinkled with chopped parsley. The crunchy exterior and soft, garlicky interior are perfect for mopping up every drop of the creamy sauce.
- Crisp Green Salad
Balance the richness with a simple salad of mixed greens, sliced cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Dress lightly with lemon juice and olive oil to keep things bright and refreshing.
- Spicy Red Pepper Flakes
Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over each serving for an extra kick. The mild heat cuts through the creaminess and wakes up your taste buds with a lively contrast.
- Chilled White Wine
Pair your pasta with a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of the wine complements the tomato and cream sauce, making each mouthful feel light and sophisticated.
HOW TO STORE CHEESY SAUSAGE PASTA
Leftovers of this comfort-food classic can be just as delightful the next day—if stored properly. Whether you plan to dig in for lunch or freeze a portion for a future craving, a few simple tips will keep your pasta tasting fresh, creamy, and perfectly seasoned. Follow these guidelines to maintain flavor and texture:
- Refrigerate Promptly
Transfer cooled pasta into an airtight container and place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days, and you can reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freeze in Portions
For longer storage, divide the pasta into individual freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable bags. Lay them flat in the freezer—this helps them freeze quickly and evenly. Properly stored, it will keep well for up to 2 months.
- Use Proper Labels
Always date your containers so you know exactly when you made them. This way, you can enjoy the pasta at its peak quality and avoid freezer burn.
- Gentle Reheating
Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Reheat slowly over low heat on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce’s silky consistency, stirring often to prevent sticking.
CONCLUSION
What a journey from pantry staples to a deeply comforting plate of Cheesy Sausage Pasta! We’ve covered every step, from selecting the best pasta shape and sausage, to crafting a creamy, flavored sauce, and finally layering on a blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. This beginner-friendly recipe takes roughly 15 minutes of prep, 30 minutes of cooking, and about 5 minutes of rest before you dish up a hearty meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. With just a handful of simple ingredients—olive oil, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, cream, dried herbs, and two kinds of cheese—you can transform your kitchen into an Italian trattoria. Remember to personalize it with red pepper flakes for heat, fresh spinach for color, or your favorite sausage variation to make it truly your own. You can print this article and save it for quick reference on busy evenings or tuck it into your recipe binder for those special pasta nights. And don’t worry if you have leftovers: you’ve got all the storage hacks right here to keep every serving tasting like it was just made.
Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ to troubleshoot common questions, but feel free to reach out with any comments or questions right here—whether you’re curious about swapping sausage types, adjusting the seasoning, or mastering that perfect cheese melt. I love hearing how recipes land in your kitchen, and I’m always happy to help you tweak or troubleshoot. So go ahead, give this dish a whirl, and let me know what you think: Did you add a twist? Which pasta shape was your favorite? Share your feedback, suggestions, or stories—because cooking is always better when we do it together!
Cheesy Sausage Pasta
Description
Get ready to savor every bite of this Cheesy Sausage Pasta, where spicy Italian sausage dances in creamy, cheesy goodness with a touch of fresh herbs. It's comfort food at its best!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
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Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked sausage. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
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Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet and let it cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
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Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Note
- For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Substitute Italian sausage with your favorite type of sausage like chicken or turkey for a variation.
- For a touch of freshness, add a handful of spinach or kale to the sauce while it simmers.
- The dish can be made ahead; allow it to cool completely before refrigerating, then reheat gently over low heat when ready to serve.
