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If you love a creamy pasta with big flavor, this creamy sausage spaghetti needs to be on your menu. Smoked Gouda adds depth, the sausage brings a little heat, and fresh basil adds brightness. Simple ingredients, quick to make, and always a hit!
Why This Pasta Recipe is a Stand Out
- So Much Flavor: The combination of sausage, Gouda, and fresh herbs creates bold flavor in every bite. It’s balanced, satisfying, and never boring.
- One Skillet Dinner: Everything cooks in one pan, which keeps things simple and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Family Favorite: Everyone will go back for seconds! The creamy sauce and hearty sausage make it a hit for both kids and adults.
Creamy Sausage Spaghetti Ingredients
- Sausage: Use sweet or spicy Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or even maple sausage for a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors (it sounds different, but it really works!).
- Basil: Fresh basil gives the best flavor, but you can substitute 2 teaspoons of dried basil if needed.
- Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella, provolone, or gruyere can be used instead of smoked Gouda.
- Pasta: Spaghetti works great, but you can use a short pasta instead, like penne, rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Spaghetti
This creamy sausage pasta recipe is an easy weeknight favorite. It’s great served with garlic bread, a fresh salad, and extra parmesan on top for the perfect finish.
- Pasta & Sausage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then cook the noodles according to the package directions. Reserve ½-1 cup of the pasta water before draining the noodles. Set aside. Add the Italian sausage to a 14-inch large skillet. Cook and crumble over medium high heat for 6-7 minutes, until no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer: Stir in the cream and Dijon mustard. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often until thickened.
- Add Cheese: Once thickened, stir in the smoked Gouda and Parmesan until fully melted.
- Add Herbs: Add the fresh basil, then taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If needed, add a couple of tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce. This is especially helpful if the pasta sits for any amount of time before serving. Garnish creamy sausage spaghetti with red pepper flakes and serve immediately.
Alyssa’s Pro Tip
Save a little pasta water. It thins and smooths the cream sauce, and the starch helps it blend without getting watery. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time, stirring until the sauce is just right.
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Creamy Sausage Spaghetti
Rich, silky, and full of flavor, this creamy sausage spaghetti comes together fast with simple ingredients and the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and fresh.
Equipment
- 1 large 14-inch skillet
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 1 pound Italian sausage hot or sweet
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ cups shredded smoked gouda
- ½ cup shredded parmesan
- 2 tablespoons sliced fresh basil
- salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook 12 ounces spaghetti noodles according to the package. Reserve ½-1 cup of the pasta water before draining the noodles. Set aside.
- Add 1 pound Italian sausage to a large 14-inch skillet and cook and crumble over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes, until no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease.
- Reduce the heat to medium, then add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add 1 cup chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened, stirring intermittently.
- Once thickened, stir in 1 ½ cups shredded smoked gouda and ½ cup shredded parmesan until fully melted. Add 2 tablespoons sliced fresh basil, then taste and season with salt and ground black pepper.
- Add the noodles to the sauce and toss to coat. If needed, add a couple of tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce (this is especially helpful if the pasta sits for any amount of time before serving). Garnish with red pepper flakes and serve immediately.
Notes
Storage, Reheating, & Make Ahead Instructions
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Store reserved pasta water separately.
- Reheating: Add about 1 tablespoon of the reserved pasta water or milk per serving, then microwave for 30 to 60 seconds. Stir well to restore the creamy, cheesy texture and help prevent the sauce from splitting.
- Freezer Not recommended. The noodles, cream, and cheese do not freeze well.
- Make Ahead: Best served right away. If it sits 10 to 15 minutes, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 856kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 37gFat: 57gSaturated Fat: 30gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 176mgSodium: 1358mgPotassium: 453mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1019IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 571mgIron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!
Make It a Meal
Turn this creamy sausage spaghetti dish into a complete meal with a few easy sides. Vegetables and garlic bread pair perfectly with the creamy pasta and help round out dinner.
