Description
This creamy one pot pasta with spicy sausage is a quick and comforting dish that combines savory Italian sausage, rich tomato and cream sauce, and tender fettuccine pasta. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner with layers of flavor and a luscious, cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups tomato passata (or tomato sauce)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 sprig fresh basil (plus more for garnishing)
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 pound dried fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or braiser over medium-high heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Stir frequently until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Build the sauce base: Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the cooked sausage. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly, enhancing its flavor.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato passata. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the sprig of fresh basil and stir everything together to combine the flavors.
- Add pasta and bring to boil: Add the dried fettuccine pasta directly to the pan. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the sauce and liquids.
- Simmer and cook pasta: Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Partially cover the pan and cook the pasta for 15–20 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. If the sauce reduces too quickly before the pasta is tender, add extra chicken broth as needed.
- Finish with cheese: Remove the basil sprig from the sauce. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy and cohesive texture.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves and Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, substitute sweet Italian sausage for spicy sausage.
- If tomato passata is unavailable, a smooth tomato sauce can be used as a substitute.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor; pre-grated varieties may not melt as smoothly.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
