This Sausage Mushroom Pasta is a warm and hearty dish! The juicy sausage pairs perfectly with tender mushrooms and twirly pasta, all tossed in a flavorful sauce.
You’ll love how quick and easy it is to make! Just sauté the sausage and mushrooms, mix them with pasta, and dinner is ready. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Casarecce or penne are great choices for this dish, but you can switch to gluten-free pasta if needed. Just be sure to follow package directions for cooking times as they can differ.
Italian Sausage: I love using spicy Italian sausage for a kick. If you want a lighter option, turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage is a good substitute, keeping the flavor intact.
Mushrooms: While I used classic button or cremini mushrooms, you can switch it up with shiitake or portobello for deeper flavor. If you’re not into mushrooms, zucchini offers a nice texture instead.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes bring a sweet burst to the dish. If out of season, canned diced tomatoes are a convenient alternative. Just drain them to avoid excess liquid.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or sour cream. If you’re looking for dairy-free, coconut cream works surprisingly well!
How Do I Get the Sausage Just Right?
Perfectly cooked sausage adds richness! Here’s how to get it right:
- Break the sausage into small pieces while cooking for even browning.
- Cook it on medium heat to avoid burning outside while ensuring the inside gets cooked through.
- Keep it in the skillet once done—this allows it to flavor the oil, which helps build a tasty base for your sauce.
Why Is Timing Important for Cooking Pasta?
Cooking pasta perfectly is key! Here’s my take on it:
- Always salt your boiling water! It elevates the pasta’s flavor.
- Follow the package instructions for cooking time, but start testing a minute or two early for ‘al dente’.
- Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining! It helps when mixing with the sauce, adding flavor and preventing a dry dish.
How to Make Sausage Mushroom Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (casarecce or penne works well)
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz Italian sausage (casings removed, crumbled)
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sausage Mushroom Pasta will take about 30-35 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking, while the rest is for simmering and combining everything into a comforting meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente (which means it should have a slight bite to it). After cooking, drain the pasta but save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later!
2. Brown the Sausage:
While the pasta is cooking, get a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. When hot, add the crumbled sausage. Cook it until it’s browned and cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, carefully remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet with the flavorful oil leftover from the sausage, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they start to brown and release their moisture, about 5 minutes. It’s starting to smell amazing!
4. Add Garlic and Tomatoes:
Now, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the mushroom and onion mixture, and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant. Afterward, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes until they soften.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Return the browned sausage to the skillet and pour in the heavy cream. Let everything simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken a bit. This will make it nice and creamy!
6. Combine Everything Together:
Now it’s time to add the cooked pasta to the skillet! Toss everything together, and if the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Finish and Serve:
Finally, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and incorporated into the dish. Taste it, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as you like. When ready, remove it from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and any extra Parmesan you desire. Serve hot, and enjoy your hearty meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use any type of sausage you enjoy, like chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter option. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the sauce!
How Can I Make This Pasta Dish Spicier?
If you’d like a little heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some sliced fresh jalapeños or even a dash of hot sauce to your sauce for an extra kick!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure that any added ingredients, like sausage and broth, are also gluten-free.
How Can I Store Leftover Sausage Mushroom Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if it seems dry.
