If you are looking for a comforting yet vibrant meal that comes together in no time, this Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner. It perfectly balances the bold flavors of Italian sausage with the herbal freshness of pesto, all enveloped in creamy richness. Whether you’re rustling up a quick weeknight supper or entertaining friends, this dish delivers satisfying texture and taste with minimal fuss, making every bite memorable and delightfully cozy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, bringing a harmony of flavors, textures, and colors that make the dish truly delicious. From the hearty sausage providing a savory punch to the fresh basil adding a pop of herbal brightness, these simple staples combine effortlessly into a crowd-pleaser.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli): These shapes hold sauce beautifully and create a satisfying bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the sausage to perfection.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed): The star protein that lends a robust, meaty flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic depth.
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce: Either store-bought or homemade, pesto brings fresh basil, garlic, and pine nut brightness.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess that tames the intensity of sausage and pesto.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle spicy kick to awaken the palate.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a salty, nutty finish that ties the whole dish together.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Adds a vibrant pop of color and fresh aroma.
How to Make Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until just al dente, which means tender but still firm to the bite. This texture ensures the pasta won’t get mushy once it’s tossed with the sauce. Once done, drain and set the pasta aside while you prepare the sausage sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage with the casings removed, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the sausage until it is beautifully browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step creates those wonderful caramelized bits that elevate the flavor immensely.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Once the sausage is browned, stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook everything together for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn. This ensures the sauce has a wonderful warmth and aroma.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and add the pesto sauce along with the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine everything until you get a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the sausage pieces evenly. This creamy pesto sauce is the heart of the dish, turning simple ingredients into a luscious meal.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything thoroughly so that every piece of pasta is coated with the creamy pesto and sausage goodness. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss lightly again.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you have fresh basil on hand, scatter some vibrant leaves over the pasta before serving. It brightens the dish visually and adds an extra layer of fresh, herbal flavor that’s simply irresistible.
How to Serve Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves not only look beautiful but also give a fragrant lift to every forkful. You can also grate a little extra Parmesan cheese or add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch and nuttiness. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving adds a silky finish and richness.
Side Dishes
This Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also a perfect match to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce. For a refreshing contrast, consider a lemony arugula salad dressed in a light vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the pasta in individual bowls garnished with extra herbs and Parmesan shavings. You can layer it with sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed spinach folded in to enhance the color and flavor. For a family-style dinner, serve it in a large rustic bowl on the table, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy the comforting goodness together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, let leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator and consume within 2 to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making reheated portions just as tasty.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to keep it longer. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water, broth, or additional cream if the sauce seems too thick or dry. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to warm the dish evenly without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian sausage can be great substitutes. Each will bring its own flavor twist while keeping the dish hearty and delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can skip the heavy cream or replace it with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Using pasta water instead of cream also helps lighten the sauce and keep it dairy-free.
How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness is quite mild by default, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or choosing a spicier sausage. It’s all about tailoring the flavor to your liking!
Can I prepare the pesto sauce from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade pesto with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil will enhance the freshness and flavor even more. That said, quality store-bought pesto works perfectly well and saves time.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Penne and fusilli are ideal because their ridges and tubular shapes trap the sauce nicely. However, feel free to experiment with other types like rigatoni or farfalle depending on what you have available.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta Recipe is truly a treasure in the kitchen—simple, flavorful, and adaptable to whatever you have on hand. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want comfort food without the fuss, impressing everyone with its creamy, savory delight. Trust me, once you try it, this pasta will find a permanent place in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dish combining al dente pasta with savory Italian sausage, aromatic garlic, and creamy pesto sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it’s rich, creamy, and ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Sausage and Aromatics
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) into the skillet with the sausage. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add Pesto and Cream: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the pesto sauce and heavy cream until the sauce is well combined and creamy.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sausage pesto cream sauce.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt and black pepper according to taste. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm immediately.
Notes
- Use chicken sausage for a lighter protein option.
- For a lighter, dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
