– 8 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
– 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Creating Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is straightforward when you follow these simple steps:
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Sauté Garlic: Add the olive oil to the skillet with the sausage. Once heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine all flavors.
5. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if using. Serve immediately.