If you crave a rich and creamy dish that’s quick to whip up, look no further! Sausage Alfredo Pasta combines savory Italian sausage, creamy sauce, and tender fettuccine for a meal that’s sure to please everyone. With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy steps, you can delight your taste buds in under 30 minutes. Get ready to make dinner a hit with this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
To make Sausage Alfredo Pasta, gather these fresh and tasty ingredients:
– 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound Italian sausage
– 4 cloves garlic
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
– Extra Parmesan for serving
These ingredients blend to create a creamy and rich dish. You can choose between mild or spicy sausage, depending on your taste. The garlic adds a wonderful aroma, while the heavy cream makes the sauce silky smooth. Don’t forget the fresh parsley! It adds a nice color and freshness to your plate.This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Enjoy the process of cooking this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
To start, you need to boil the fettuccine. Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 10 minutes, until it is al dente. After that, drain the pasta in a colander. Do not forget to save about ½ cup of the pasta water.
Preparing the Sausage
Next, prepare the sausage. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage, removing the casing first. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage apart as it cooks. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked.
Making the Homemade Alfredo Sauce
Now, it’s time to make the Alfredo sauce. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic smells good. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Slowly add in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts and becomes creamy. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining Ingredients
Finally, combine everything. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it well in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you get the right consistency. This step makes the dish rich and delightful.
Tips & Tricks
Ingredient Selection
Choosing the best sausage (mild vs spicy)
When picking sausage, think about your taste. Mild sausage has a gentle flavor. It blends well with the creamy sauce. Spicy sausage gives a kick. It adds heat and depth to the dish. Try both to see what you like!
Quality of cheese and cream
Use fresh, high-quality cheese and cream. Fresh Parmesan melts better and tastes richer. Heavy cream makes the sauce thick and creamy. Avoid pre-grated cheese; it often has fillers. For a real treat, shred your own cheese right before cooking.
Cooking Techniques
Ensuring pasta doesn’t stick
To keep the pasta from sticking, stir it often while cooking. Use a large pot with plenty of water. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once cooked, drain it but leave a bit of pasta water. This water helps adjust the sauce later.
Tips for controlling sauce thickness
If your sauce is too thick, add pasta water slowly. Start with a tablespoon and mix it in. If it’s still thick, add more until it’s just right. For a thicker sauce, simmer it longer. Just watch it so it doesn’t burn.
Presentation Suggestions
Serving with garnishes
Garnishing makes your dish look fancy and appetizing. Use fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also add extra Parmesan on top. A sprinkle of black pepper adds contrast. Serve in warm bowls to keep it hot longer.
