This Creamy Sausage Alfredo is a comfort dish that brings pasta to a whole new level. With rich sauce, tasty sausage, and a hint of garlic, it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it every week! I love serving it with a sprinkle of parmesan on top—extra yum! It’s so easy that even my cat watches me cook! 🐱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine is a classic choice for Alfredo, but egg noodles work too! If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try using gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter dish.
Italian Sausage: I love using a mix of mild and spicy sausage. You can substitute with turkey sausage for a healthier option or even use plant-based sausage if you’re vegetarian!
Heavy Cream: This is key to the sauce’s richness. If you’re watching calories, you could try half-and-half or evaporated milk. Just know the sauce won’t be quite as thick and creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan makes a huge difference! If you can’t find Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can work as good substitutes.
Sage Leaves: Fresh sage adds a lovely flavor. If unavailable, dried sage can be used sparingly. Alternatively, you might enjoy thyme or parsley for a different touch.
How Do I Get a Creamy Sauce Without Clumping?
Making a creamy sauce can be tricky, especially with cheese! Here’s how to avoid clumping and ensure a smooth texture:
- Start by melting butter over low heat before adding garlic to avoid burning it.
- When adding cream and milk, keep the heat gentle to avoid curdling.
- Add cheese gradually, stirring continuously to help it melt evenly into the sauce.
Remember, patience is key. Take your time, and you’ll have a velvety sauce that perfectly coats your pasta! Enjoy your cooking!
Creamy Sausage Alfredo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz fettuccine or egg noodles
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed and crumbled
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh sage leaves (about 8–10 leaves)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: extra Parmesan for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Creamy Sausage Alfredo recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and boiling the pasta, and about 20 minutes cooking the sauce and combining everything. It’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, cook the fettuccine or egg noodles according to the package directions, typically until they’re al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Crumble the Italian sausage into the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, but leave some of the dripping in the pan for flavor.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not burnt.
4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
Next, pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring gently to combine. Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer. Make sure to keep the heat moderate to prevent the cream from curdling.
5. Add the Cheese:
Once the mixture is simmering, slowly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated, creating a smooth sauce. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy—this adds lots of flavor!
6. Combine with Sausage:
Add the cooked sausage back into the sauce, ensuring all the delicious flavors meld together. Stir everything until evenly mixed.
7. Fry the Sage Leaves:
In a small pan, use a bit of olive oil to fry the fresh sage leaves until they’re crispy. This should only take a couple of minutes. Remove them and drain on paper towels—they’ll add an amazing flavor and an elegant touch to your dish!
8. Toss Pasta in Sauce:
Finally, add the drained pasta to the creamy sausage sauce, tossing gently to ensure every noodle gets coated with that delightful sauce!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Dish up your Creamy Sausage Alfredo in bowls. Top each serving with the crispy fried sage leaves, and don’t forget a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if you like. Add a dash of freshly ground black pepper on top for an extra kick.
Enjoy your rich, flavorful Creamy Sausage Alfredo—perfect for a cozy dinner!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, you can use any pasta you prefer, like penne or linguine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to package directions for the pasta you choose.
Can I Substitute the Italian Sausage?
Yes! You can swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
What Can I Serve with Creamy Sausage Alfredo?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy sauce with something fresh on the side!
