This creamy Sausage Alfredo Pasta is a warm hug on a plate! It’s made with delicious sausage, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all mixed together to create a comfort meal.
Every bite is so creamy and satisfying; you might just want to twirl your fork forever! I love to add a sprinkle of cheese on top—it just makes everything better, doesn’t it? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using bowtie pasta because its shape holds onto the sauce well. If you don’t have bowtie, any pasta like fettuccine, penne, or even rotini can work just fine.
Smoked Sausage: The smoked sausage gives a great flavor. You can substitute it with chicken sausage for a lighter option or even Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is what makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you want a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce might be thinner.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully in this dish. If you’re out, you could use Pecorino Romano or a different hard cheese, though it may taste a bit different.
How Do You Achieve a Creamy Alfredo Sauce?
One of the keys to a delicious Alfredo sauce is to combine the cream and cheese effectively. Start by heating your heavy cream with the chicken broth until it simmers gently. This is when you should add the cheese!
- Once you’ve stirred in the Parmesan, keep stirring until it melts completely to avoid lumps.
- Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, which helps the sauce thicken without burning.
- Always taste for seasoning; it’s easy to overlook that pinch of salt that can make all the difference!
Patience is key here! Letting the sauce cook gently will ensure you get that perfect creamy texture.
How to Make Sausage Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
For the Sausage:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Vegetables:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
For the Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sausage Alfredo Pasta will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 15 minutes cooking and combining the ingredients, and another 15 minutes for everything to simmer and develop its yummy flavor. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
2. Browning the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned on both sides. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and the red pepper has softened.
4. Making the Alfredo Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth while stirring to combine. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Start adding the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Seasoning the Sauce:
Now, season the Alfredo sauce with black pepper and salt to taste. Remember, the Parmesan will add some saltiness, so be careful with the amount of salt you add!
6. Combining Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and the sausage slices back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta and sausage are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Final Touches:
Cook everything together for another 1-2 minutes until heated through. Then, remove from heat.
8. Serving:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve your Sausage Alfredo Pasta warm and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works great, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand, such as fettuccine, penne, or even rotini. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
What Should I Do If the Sauce Is Too Thick?
If your Alfredo sauce gets too thick, simply add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up while stirring. Heat it over low until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
Sure thing! You can use turkey or chicken sausage instead of smoked sausage for a leaner option. Additionally, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce the fat content while still enjoying a rich sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain creaminess.
