Indulge your taste buds with a dish that perfectly balances creamy richness and spicy kick—welcome to the world of Spicy Sausage Brown Butter Alfredo Pasta! This Italian masterpiece combines the savory goodness of spicy Italian sausage with the nutty depth of brown butter, creating a symphony of flavors that will have your guests begging for seconds. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, this recipe is not only a culinary delight but also a time-saver for busy weeknights. Are you ready to elevate your pasta game? Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the penne 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. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is fully browned and crispy, about 7-8 minutes.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking the butter, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma. This process takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and carefully pour the heavy cream into the brown butter, stirring constantly to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the brown butter cream sauce, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked sausage to the sauce, then gently fold in the drained pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to ensure everything is well combined and heated through.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Always cook your penne pasta al dente for the best texture. Remember to reserve some pasta water; it’s a great way to adjust the sauce's consistency without losing flavor.
- Sausage Secrets: For an extra flavor boost, try using a mix of spicy and sweet Italian sausage. This will add complexity to the dish while still delivering that delightful heat.
- Brown Butter Mastery: Keep a close eye on your butter as it melts. Once it starts to turn golden brown, it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds, so swirl the pan frequently to monitor the color.
- Sauce Smoothness: When adding the heavy cream to the brown butter, do it slowly and stir continuously to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce without any lumps.
- Garnish for Greatness: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor that brightens up the rich sauce. Don’t skip this step for a beautiful presentation!
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine to complement the flavors and make your meal feel extra special.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 850kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 65g
Saturated Fat: 35g
Cholesterol: 180mg
