Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet
A comforting blend of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta that transforms any meal into a cherished memory.
Ingredients
Pasta and Base Ingredients
- 8 oz Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells) Your choice of pasta
- 1 Tbsp Butter For sautéing
- 1 cup Chicken broth Or vegetable broth for a lighter option
Sausage and Aromatics
- 12 oz Quality sausage (Italian, turkey, or veggie) Classic choice is Italian sausage
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Freshly minced for best flavor
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup Heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half
- 1 cup Cheese (sharp cheddar and mozzarella, shredded) Mix of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella
Garnish Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Fresh herbs (parsley or basil, chopped) For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook it until al dente; be sure to save a cup of pasta water for later.
- While the pasta cooks, melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant. Deglaze the skillet with a splash of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
Cooking
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, allowing the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens.
- Gradually add in the shredded cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. If too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, ensuring each piece is coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Top with fresh herbs and an extra sprinkle of cheese before serving.
Notes
For extra elevation, try baking topped with breadcrumbs or additional cheese for a golden crust. Customize with additional vegetables.