This Creamy Sausage Alfredo is a comforting dish that combines tasty sausage with a rich, velvety sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect for a cozy dinner!
No need to skimp on the cheese here—more is definitely better! I love twirling my pasta around my fork, and I think you’ll enjoy it just as much. 🍝
For me, this dish is a lifesaver on busy days. Just cook the sausage, mix in the sauce, and toss with pasta. It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fettuccine Pasta: This flat ribbon pasta holds sauces really well. If fettuccine isn’t available, feel free to use any pasta shape, like penne or rigatoni. Fresh tagliatelle works beautifully, too!
Italian Sausage: Choose between mild or spicy based on your preference. Also, you can substitute with turkey or chicken sausage for a healthier option, or even vegetarian sausage if you want to go meat-free!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, half-and-half can be used, but the sauce may not be as rich. Full-fat coconut milk can be a good option for a dairy-free alternative—just make sure it’s unsweetened.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If it’s not on hand, Pecorino Romano is a tasty substitute. Nutritional yeast can work in a pinch for a vegan alternative, too!
Fresh Sage: Sage offers a lovely aroma and taste. If you can’t find fresh, dried sage can be a substitute, but use only about 1 teaspoon as it’s more concentrated. Thyme or basil also work great!
How Do I Get the Sauce to Be Just Right?
Getting the sauce perfect is key to this dish! Here’s how to achieve that creamy, smooth texture:
- Start by melting butter and adding garlic to build flavor. Be careful with the garlic; it cooks quickly!
- When you add cream and milk, heat the mixture gently—this helps prevent curdling. Stir constantly!
- Once you add the Parmesan, keep stirring until it’s smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, don’t hesitate to use a bit of the pasta water. It offers starch that helps the sauce cling to the pasta!
- Finally, taste your sauce before serving; adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper for the best flavor.
With these tips, you’ll have a creamy and delicious sauce every time!
How to Make Creamy Sausage Alfredo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta (or fresh tagliatelle)
For the Sauce:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed and crumbled
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh sage leaves (about 8-10 leaves)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil (optional, for frying sage)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that feels comforting and indulgent, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the fettuccine or tagliatelle and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander, making sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Set the drained pasta aside.
2. Brown the Sausage:
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart into bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. If there’s excess grease in the skillet, you can drain some off.
3. Make the Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant—just be careful not to let it burn! Next, pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring until well combined. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Add the Cheese:
Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce, stirring continuously until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
5. Combine Everything Together:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, stirring to coat it well with the creamy sauce. If you find that the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Infuse with Sage:
Add the fresh sage leaves to the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing their flavor to infuse into the sauce. For an extra crunchy touch, consider lightly frying the sage leaves in a small pan with a little olive oil until crispy, then use them as a garnish.
7. Toss the Pasta:
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sausage sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Creamy Sausage Alfredo immediately, garnished with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and the optional fried sage leaves. Enjoy this rich and comforting dish!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or even whole-wheat pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you’re using.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. For a dairy-free option, try using unsweetened coconut milk—but keep in mind that it will slightly alter the flavor.
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the sauce. Just sauté them along with the garlic for a delicious twist!
