Creamy Garlic Parmesan Fettuccine with Savory Sausage

Short Description

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Fettuccine with Savory Sausage is a rich and satisfying pasta dish featuring tender fettuccine coated in a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce, complemented by hearty slices of flavorful sausage. This comforting recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings, delivering gourmet flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
• Creamy, cheesy, and full of savory flavor
• Versatile – great with different sausage varieties or added vegetables
• A comforting meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish
• Perfect for both family meals and entertaining guests

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fettuccine pasta
• Sausage (such as beef, pork, or chicken), sliced
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic, minced
• Italian seasoning
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add cream and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine and finish: Return sausage to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
• Herbed: Add fresh basil or thyme for more depth.
• Cheese lovers: Try blending in mozzarella or Asiago for added richness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

What kind of sausage works best?

Beef, pork, or chicken sausage all work well. Choose based on your flavor preference.

Can I use another pasta shape?

Yes, linguine, penne, or spaghetti are good alternatives to fettuccine.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream gives the best texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be lighter.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and verify that your sausage is gluten-free.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer longer to reduce, or add more Parmesan cheese.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and sausage in advance, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.

How can I lighten the recipe?

Use light cream or milk and lean sausage, and serve with a side of vegetables.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli make great additions.

What can I serve with this dish?

A green salad and garlic bread pair well with this pasta.

Is it freezer-friendly?

It’s not ideal to freeze cream-based sauces as they may separate when reheated.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Fettuccine with Savory Sausage is a deliciously comforting pasta recipe that blends creamy, cheesy richness with the hearty flavor of sausage. Easy to make yet impressive enough for guests, this dish offers flexibility and indulgence in every bite. It’s a timeless recipe that can easily become a family favorite.

Print