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Weeknight Creamy Sausage Pasta

This Weeknight Creamy Sausage Pasta is quick, comforting, and bursting with flavor—a perfect easy dinner for busy evenings!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb turkey sausage removed from casings
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  • Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  • Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and the cooked turkey sausage. Cook for another 2-3 minutes so the tomatoes soften slightly and the flavors meld together.
  • Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for richness and extra flavor.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top before serving to add a fresh, herbaceous note.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Colander
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board

Notes

  • Toast the penne pasta briefly in the skillet before boiling for richer flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the cherry tomatoes; they should be slightly softened but still hold their shape.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a creamier melt and better taste.
  • Reserve a little pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a gentle kick of heat.