This creamy sausage Alfredo is a cozy meal that warms you right up! With flavorful sausage mixed into a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s a hit with everyone at the table.
I love how easy it is to whip up this dish on a busy night. Just cook the sausage, mix it with the creamy goodness, and serve over pasta. Comfort food at its best!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fettuccine pasta: This classic choice has a wide surface that holds the creamy sauce well. If you don’t have fettuccine, you can swap it for spaghetti, linguine, or any pasta you prefer.
Italian sausage: Sweet or mild sausage gives great flavor. If you want less fat, use turkey or chicken sausage instead. You can also use a mix of different sausages for a unique taste!
Heavy cream: This creates the rich, creamy sauce we love. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can replace some cream with half-and-half or use cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is key for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano or even a store-bought Italian blend can work as substitutes.
Sage leaves: These add an aromatic touch. If fresh sage isn’t available, try dried sage (use less) or even basil for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Cook Italian Sausage Perfectly?
Cooking Italian sausage properly ensures it’s flavorful and safe to eat! Here’s how I do it:
- Start by removing the casings from the sausage. Use your hands to squeeze the filling out, which makes breaking it up in the skillet easier.
- Heat your skillet over medium heat. Add oil or butter to prevent sticking, and then add the sausage.
- Cook for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Look for a nice golden-brown color to form for added flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the sausage reaches 160°F (71°C) for safety.
Cooking sausage slowly allows the flavors to develop perfectly, making your Alfredo even more delicious!
Creamy Sausage Alfredo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
For the Sausage and Sauce:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (preferably sweet or mild), casings removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup whole milk (optional, to adjust sauce consistency)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh sage leaves (about 8-10 leaves)*
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy sausage Alfredo takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough for a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Fettuccine:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta but save about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later.
2. Prepare the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil or butter. Once hot, add the sausage, breaking it apart into small pieces with a spoon. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
3. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine it with the sausage and garlic mixture. This will create a rich, creamy base for the sauce.
5. Add Parmesan Cheese:
Slowly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of whole milk or some reserved pasta cooking water to get the consistency you like.
6. Season the Sauce:
Season the creamy sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning based on your preference!
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and gently toss it with the sauce to coat the pasta evenly. Allow it to warm up together for a minute or two.
8. Fry the Sage Leaves:
In a small pan, add a little butter or olive oil and lightly fry the sage leaves for about 30 seconds on each side until they are crisp. Remove them and place on paper towels to drain.
9. Plate and Garnish:
Serve the pasta and sausage Alfredo in bowls. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and top with the crispy fried sage leaves for a beautiful finish!
10. Enjoy!
Serve immediately while hot and dig in! This creamy sausage Alfredo is sure to be a hit!
*Note: The crispy sage leaves add a wonderful aroma and texture to the dish. You can skip them or swap them for fresh parsley if you prefer.
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, you can substitute it with spaghetti, penne, or any pasta you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess and heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! If you like a little heat, consider using spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. Alternatively, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some extra kick!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage and sauce ahead of time. Just cool and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce and then cook your pasta fresh for the best texture.
