Creamy Pesto Sausage Pasta Recipe – Rich & Flavorful Weeknight Dinner | MagicInKitchen.com

Creamy Pesto Sausage Pasta Recipe

This creamy pesto sausage pasta recipe is rich, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights. A flavorful pasta dish with Italian sausage, creamy pesto sauce, and Parmesan cheese.

Introduction

When you need a dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly, creamy pesto sausage pasta is the perfect choice. With savory Italian sausage, fragrant basil pesto, and a velvety cream sauce coating every bite of pasta, this recipe is both hearty and satisfying. The best part? It’s a one-pan meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights when you want comfort food without the fuss.

This pasta dish balances richness from cream and cheese with the bright, herby notes of pesto. Serve it as a family dinner, a quick date night meal, or even as a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious pasta:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth (or pasta cooking water)
• ½ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional, for extra greens)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain.
2. Cook the sausage:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7–8 minutes. Remove excess grease if needed.
3. Build the sauce:
   Add minced garlic to the sausage and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, simmering for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Add pesto and cheese:
   Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Combine pasta and sauce:
   Toss in the cooked pasta and spinach (if using), coating everything evenly in the creamy pesto sausage sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
6. Serve and garnish:
   Plate the pasta and top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese for the perfect finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy pesto sausage pasta is a meal on its own, but you can make it even more special with sides like:

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing
• Roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers
• A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon

Tips & Variations

• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
• Try different proteins: Substitute chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even shrimp for a variation.
• Veggie boost: Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers to enhance flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Use spicy Italian sausage or add extra chili flakes for a kick.

FAQ

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat with a splash of cream or broth before serving.

What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the creamy sauce beautifully, but long noodles like fettuccine or linguine also work well.

Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely. Store-bought pesto is a convenient option, but homemade pesto will give the dish an even fresher flavor.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a little extra cream or broth to revive the sauce.

Conclusion

This creamy pesto sausage pasta recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner: quick, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting. With a balance of herby pesto, savory sausage, and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Try this recipe tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home—without spending hours in the kitchen!