Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of Italian Sausage Fettuccine Pasta, a dish that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy! With just 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in or impressing dinner guests. Picture perfectly cooked fettuccine enveloped in a luscious cream sauce, complemented by the savory depth of Italian sausage and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will leave you craving more. Ready to dive into the flavors of Italy? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add fettuccine pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove Italian sausage from its casing and crumble into the skillet.
- Cook the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until it's fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté with the sausage for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream. Stir to combine with the sausage and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Add the pasta directly to the skillet with the sausage and cream sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to help create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Choose Quality Sausage: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality Italian sausage. You can use spicy or mild based on your preference, or even a mix of both for a balanced taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: To achieve the perfect al dente texture, make sure to follow the package instructions closely and taste the pasta a minute or two before the recommended time.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help adjust the sauce’s consistency and enhance its creaminess.
- Garlic Timing: Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing it with the sausage. Adding it too early can lead to a bitter flavor, so wait until the sausage is nearly cooked.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: For a burst of freshness, don’t skip the parsley garnish. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish and add a beautiful pop of color.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is traditional, feel free to mix in other cheeses like pecorino or even a touch of mozzarella for extra creaminess.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot. If you have leftovers, reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 680kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 48g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 135mg
