– 12 ounces penne pasta
– 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Making Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is simple if you follow these straightforward steps:
1. Cook Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon.
3. Add Garlic: Once the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Combine Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, allowing their flavors to blend.
5. Pour Cream and Broth: Gradually add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine everything into a creamy sauce.
6. Season the Sauce: Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating an even creamier texture.
8. Mix Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure that all the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
9. Serve Immediately: Remove from heat, and serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley as desired.
10. Enjoy: Dig in and savor each bite of this delicious comfort food!