Imagine a plate of creamy, rich pasta that combines the bold flavors of spicy Italian sausage with earthy, tender mushrooms—a dish so irresistible, it'll have your family and friends begging for seconds! This Italian Sausage Mushroom Pasta is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 1 lb of Italian sausage (casings removed), 2 cups of sliced mushrooms, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of minced garlic, salt, pepper, and 2 tbsp of olive oil.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- After the cream has simmered, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sausage and mushroom sauce.
- Gently toss the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick. Ensure all the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve the Italian sausage mushroom pasta hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea. This is your first chance to add flavor to the pasta.
- Don't rinse your pasta after cooking. The starch helps the sauce cling better to each noodle.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky, cohesive sauce.
- Cook the sausage thoroughly and break it into small, even pieces for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself for the best melting and flavor.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of white wine when cooking the mushrooms.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 835kcal
Carbohydrates: 46g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 59g
Saturated Fat: 26g
Cholesterol: 150mg
