There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of pasta, sausage, and a creamy garlic sauce. This Spicy Sausage and Fettuccine in Creamy Garlic Sauce is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create an irresistible dish. I first made this recipe on a rainy evening when I wanted something hearty but quick. The spicy Italian sausage, combined with the rich creaminess of the garlic sauce, made for the perfect comfort food after a busy day.

The dish is an explosion of flavors bold, creamy, with just the right amount of heat from the red pepper flakes. The fettuccine pasta soaks up all the delicious sauce, making each bite a creamy, savory experience. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe fits the bill. It’s easy to make, yet it feels indulgent enough to impress your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

12 oz fettuccine pasta
1 lb spicy Italian sausage (removed from casing)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, about 9-11 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce later. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Remove any excess grease if necessary. Once the sausage is ready, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn garlic can turn bitter if overcooked.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Once the garlic is fragrant, add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring constantly. Bring it to a simmer, allowing the cream to thicken slightly. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet along with the red pepper flakes. Stir to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, as needed. Once the sausage is well-coated in the sauce, add the cooked fettuccine pasta. Toss the pasta and sausage together, making sure the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

Variation:

Here are a few ways to personalize this spicy sausage and fettuccine dish to fit different tastes or dietary needs:

Mild Version: If you prefer a milder dish, you can use regular Italian sausage instead of spicy sausage and skip the red pepper flakes. The garlic cream sauce will still be wonderfully flavorful.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based sausage or even sautéed mushrooms as a meat substitute. The creamy garlic sauce will complement these ingredients beautifully.
Extra Veggies: Add some sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra vegetables and flavor. These additions also bring more texture to the dish.
Spicy Kick: If you like it extra spicy, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped fresh chili pepper to the sauce.

Cooking Note:

A few tips to help ensure your Spicy Sausage and Fettuccine in Creamy Garlic Sauce turns out perfectly:

Browning the Sausage: Make sure to brown the sausage well to develop deep, savory flavors. If you cook it too quickly, it may not release enough fat for the sauce, and the texture won’t be as flavorful.
Adjusting the Cream Sauce: If you find the sauce too thick as it simmers, adding a little pasta water is a great way to loosen it up. The starch in the water helps thicken the sauce while keeping it creamy and smooth.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that can affect the texture and flavor of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

This creamy, spicy sausage pasta can be served with a variety of sides to round out the meal:

Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the pasta. Try a simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad.
Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or cauliflower would be fantastic with this dish, adding a savory crunch to contrast the creaminess of the pasta.

Tips:

Leftovers: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.
Meal Prep: If you’re preparing this meal ahead of time, cook the sausage and sauce in advance, then combine with fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Freezing: Although the creamy sauce may not hold up well to freezing and thawing, you can freeze the sausage and sauce separately, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to enjoy.

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 750 kcal per serving (1/4 of the recipe)
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 950mg

Details:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

FAQs:

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?
Yes! While fettuccine is ideal, you can substitute with any pasta shape you like. Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti would work great.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to cook the pasta fresh before serving.

Q3: Is there a way to make the dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the red pepper flakes, or add a bit of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. You can also use a spicy sausage with more heat if you want to turn up the spice level.

Q4: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, along with a dairy-free Parmesan substitute to make this dish dairy-free.

Conclusion:

This Spicy Sausage and Fettuccine in Creamy Garlic Sauce is sure to become a household favorite. The rich, creamy sauce paired with the bold flavors of the spicy sausage makes for a truly satisfying meal. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion from a cozy weeknight dinner to a special gathering with friends. I encourage you to try it out and share your thoughts! Don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes on the site and leave a comment below let’s keep the conversation going. Happy cooking!

Spicy Sausage and Fettuccine in Creamy Garlic Sauce

Author: Imili Johnson
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 1x

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