– 12 ounces of pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
– 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil, for garnish
Creating Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:
1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, crumble the Italian sausage into the pan and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic with the sausage for about 1 minute until fragrant, then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Create the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Season: Sprinkle in the dried oregano and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
7. Garnish and Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan, if desired.