Sharing one of our go-to weeknight pasta dinners: Weeknight Creamy Sausage Pasta. This simple, flavorful dish combines mild Italian sausage, a rich tomato-cream sauce, and fresh basil for an easy, family-friendly meal. Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something comforting without a lot of fuss.
Sausage Pasta
I love quick, straightforward dinners that still deliver great flavor. This sausage pasta checks both boxes: minimal prep, big taste, and ingredients you can keep on hand. It’s a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike and makes generous leftovers for lunches the next day.
If you enjoy pasta with bold, creamy sauce, try pairing this with garlic bread and a simple green salad. It’s also easy to adapt—swap bowtie for any small pasta you have on hand or choose a spicier sausage for more kick.
Also try a different family favorite like Chicken Fajita Pasta for another quick weeknight option.
How To Prepare Easy Weeknight Dinners
Just five main ingredients and a few pantry staples—nice and simple.
Fresh basil really brightens this dish. Add it at the end for the best, fresh flavor.
We used bowtie (farfalle) here, but any small pasta—penne, rotini, or rigatoni—works well.
Cook the pasta until al dente, then transfer it to a large pot or Dutch oven to combine with the sauce and sausage—this keeps cleanup to a minimum.
Brown and crumble the sausage first; cooking it well develops flavor and gives the sauce a savory base.
Use your favorite prepared pasta sauce. A four-cheese or marinara-style sauce both work nicely depending on whether you want it cheesier or more tomato-forward.
Stir in heavy cream for a smooth, velvety texture. Simmer gently over medium-low heat so the flavors meld without breaking the sauce.
Easy Weeknight Dinners!
Finish with chopped fresh basil for aroma and color. The basil adds a fresh contrast to the rich cream and sausage.
We like to serve this pasta with homemade garlic bread and a crisp salad. It’s a satisfying dinner that comes together quickly and appeals to everyone at the table.
Weeknight Creamy Sausage Pasta – Recipe
This no-fuss pasta blends mild Italian sausage with a tomato-cream sauce and fresh basil. It’s an easy main course with Italian-inspired flavors—great for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and quick.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dry bowtie pasta (or any small pasta)
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 26 ounces prepared pasta sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble the sausage until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the cooked pasta, cooked sausage, prepared pasta sauce, and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
- Simmer over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is hot and slightly thickened and the flavors are blended.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil just before serving. Serve warm with garlic bread and a side salad if desired.
Notes and Variations
Swap mild sausage for hot or sweet Italian sausage depending on your preference. Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich. Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra vegetables. Leftovers reheat well and make excellent lunches.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 507 kcal | Carbohydrates: 48 g | Protein: 17 g | Fat: 27 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Cholesterol: 81 mg | Sodium: 858 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 5 g
Keywords: easy pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinners, Italian sausage pasta recipes
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