Imagine a dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of Italian sausage, the aromatic punch of garlic, and the creamy, nutty goodness of Parmesan cheese - all perfectly tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This isn't just another weeknight meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a recipe that's incredibly easy to make but tastes like you've been slaving away for hours!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove Italian sausage from casings if needed and crumble into the skillet.
- Cook sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté with sausage for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Drain cooked pasta and add directly to the skillet with sausage and garlic. Toss to combine.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and sausage mixture. If needed, add reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring to ensure even distribution.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Tips
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for creating a silky, clingy sauce that helps the cheese and meat coat every single pasta strand.
- Use fresh garlic if possible, and mince it finely to ensure even distribution and maximum flavor. Avoid burning the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- For extra flavor, consider using spicy Italian sausage if you like a bit of heat, or a mix of mild and spicy for a balanced kick.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente, which means the pasta should have a slight bite and not be mushy.
- Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the sausage and cheese.
- If you want to make this dish even more indulgent, try adding a splash of heavy cream when you toss the pasta, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for extra zest.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
