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Italian Sausage and Pasta in a Cream Basil Sauce is a creamy, cheesy and savory main dish that can be on the dinner table in 30 minutes!
Italian Sausage and Pasta in a Cream Basil Sauce. AllRecipes.com has teamed up with Johnsonville Sausages this month, and as an AllRecipes Allstar, I have been asked to make a few recipes from the collection of Johnsonville’s sponsored recipes on AllRecipes.
I decided on their Bow Ties with Italian Sausage in a Cream Basil Sauce recipe for one of our weeknight dinners and adapted it slightly for our preference and for ingredients I had on-hand. I used the Johnsonville® Mild Ground Italian Sausage instead of the Johnsonville® Italian Sweet Sausage Links because I had it on hand, but either one would work. The recipe already had dozens of rave reviews online so I was excited to try it.
It was so easy. Prepare the pasta according to package directions. Brown the sausage in a skillet. Sprinkle with a little crushed red pepper and cook until sausage is no longer pink. Add the onion and garlic and saute. Stir in chopped tomatoes, and salt. Cook for about three minutes. Pour in the half and half, cream and parmesan. Stir on low until thickened. Stir in the cooked pasta and basil. Sprinkle on the mozzarella. Done!
The result? My husband mumbling “this is really good” while he is eating and then asking for seconds. After finishing off the second plate, asked “Is there any more?” I asked if he would want me to make this again. He response: “Absolutely!” That is the definition of a successful dinner in our house! This creamy, comforting, slightly spicy sausage and pasta dish was a hit!
This recipe has it all. In addition to tasting fantastic, it is quick and easy to prepare, which makes any weeknight dinner a breeze. Try it and your family will be impressed and their tummies will be very happy.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups farfalle pasta (bow-tie pasta)
- 1 16 oz package Johnsonville® Mild Ground Italian Sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cherry tomatoes cut in half
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and crumble it with a spoon as it cooks.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and continue cooking until sausage is no longer pink.
- Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes until onion softens. Add garlic and stir for about 1 minute.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and salt, and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add half and half and heavy cream and parmesan cheese; simmer on low until mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the cooked pasta and basil and cook until heated through, roughly about 3 minutes.
- Top with fresh basil, and shredded mozzarella.
DisclaimerI am an Allrecipes Allstar Brand Ambassador (a voluntary position) and I'm not compensated for my work with Allrecipes.com.
Products received from advertiser are only used for experienced-based reviews on Flavor Mosaic. The reviews, content and opinions expressed in this blog are purely the sole opinions of Occasional Cooker.
This post may be included in one of these fantastic link parties and the Weekend Potluck #109.
Try this delicious Spicy Chicken Pasta from Life Tastes Good.
Or how about this Peppery Pasta with Arugula and Sausage from Renee’s Kitchen Adventures.
Hi, I’m Michele Feuerborn, a home cook with 25+ years experience, and former AllRecipes Allstar, creating bold & easy Southern, Mexican, Tex-Mex, and Instant Pot recipes. Featured in publications like Parade and BuzzFeed. Read More…
Marion says
I made this!! Isn’t the sauce da bomb?!! I love basil and the sausage is so flavorful.
Occasional Cooker says
It is. The sauce, basil, and sausage all have a wonderful flavor.
Britni vigil says
I love Italian sausage with my pasta and this sounds incredible. Adding to our menu for next week.
Occasional Cooker says
Hi Britni,
I’m so glad you are trying it. Let me know how you like it. Thanks for visiting.
Lela Raine says
Beautiful photo Occasional Cooker! I love this recipe! So good!
Occasional Cooker says
Thank you Lela!
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
We make something very similar to this and we absolutely love it! It’s one of those dishes that I know my whole family will love! Stopping by from the Blog Boost – Pinning this 🙂
Occasional Cooker says
Hi Jamie,
There is something about this dish that everyone loves. It is great comfort food.
Thanks for stopping by.
Cara @ Craftdictator says
This sounds awesome! I am going to have to try this! I love basil so much!! Thanks for sharing and I’m going to go pin this right now 🙂
Occasional Cooker says
Hi Cara,
I love basil too, and it makes this sauce tastes wonderful. Thanks for stopping by and for sharing.
Mary Ellen says
Looks awesome! will be trying it soon….
Occasional Cooker says
Thanks Mary Ellen! Let me know how you like them after you try them!
Joanne/WineLady Cooks says
Love this dish. I was inspired tonight to make a pasta dish with Italian sausage that I had in the freezer. Thanks for sharing your recipe. Pinning and sharing on G+
Occasional Cooker says
Thank you for visiting, and for sharing.
Stephanie Daigneault says
Looks good!
Occasional Cooker says
Thanks Stephanie!
Jillian says
Yum! You had me at Italian sausage!
Occasional Cooker says
I agree jillian. Italian sausage makes everything taste better.
Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen says
That luscious picture just draws me right in. Looks fabulous!
Occasional Cooker says
Thank you Valerie!
Occasional Cooker says
Thanks Valerie! It drew us in. It was gone in a flash!
Shauna {The Best Blog Recipes} says
Your picture makes me want to run into the kitchen and make this right now! I love Pasta…. a little too much 🙂 Thanks for sharing your link at the Tuesday Boost!
Shauna @ The Best Blog Recipes
Occasional Cooker says
Thank you Shauna! Go ahead, run to the kitchen and make it now. I’ll wait. LOL!
Kimberly says
Looks so yummy! Can’t wait to try it. I love sausage and basil together.
Shelby says
I made this also Michele. I love Johnsonville sausages. My favorite is the jalapeno cheddar link. YUMMY!