Imagine a dish that combines the rich, bold flavors of Italian sausage with a luxurious mustard cream sauce, all perfectly coating al dente pasta. This isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can create right in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a decadent weeknight dinner, this Pasta Sausage Mustard Cream Sauce is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the Italian sausage from its casing and crumble the meat into the skillet.
- Cook the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until it is fully browned and no pink remains. This should take approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Stir in the Dijon mustard, ensuring it is well combined.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sausage cream sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Toss the pasta thoroughly to coat each piece with the creamy sausage mustard sauce.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with additional grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Tips
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy magic helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every pasta strand.
- Use high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor. Fresh, well-seasoned sausage makes a significant difference in the overall taste.
- Don't rush the sausage browning process. Let it develop a nice golden-brown color to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Control your cream sauce's consistency by adding reserved pasta water gradually. This prevents the sauce from becoming too thick or too thin.
- Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or freshly grated Parmesan cheese when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 120mg
