Creamy Sausage Mushroom Pasta

These delicious creamy sausage mushroom pasta bowls are made with savory Italian sausage, tender mushrooms, and a rich garlic cream sauce. Earthy flavors, silky cream, and a hearty texture make for the perfect comfort food dinner.

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I love a slow-cooked Italian meal, but I wanted an easy recipe that came together quickly on a busy weeknight. This recipe incorporates all of the best parts of a hearty meat sauce, creamy alfredo, and a no-stress cooking method. Savory browned sausage with a touch of red pepper flakes comes together in a snap. This creamy pasta is a huge hit with the whole family and hungry guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta keeps things simple while still delivering big flavor in every bite. It does not need fancy steps or long prep time.

Creamy texture: The sauce turns smooth and coats every strand of pasta.

Hearty and filling: Sausage and mushrooms make it satisfying.

Easy to cook: Straightforward steps with basic ingredients.

Quick dinner: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish. 

Comfort food: Warm, rich flavors that always hit the spot.

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Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounce pasta
• ¾ pound Italian sausage
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound white mushrooms, sliced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm. Stir once or twice so it cooks evenly. Drain and set aside, saving a little pasta water just in case.

2. Brown the Sausage

Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook while breaking it into small pieces. Let it brown well so it builds flavor. Once cooked, leave it in the pan.

3. Add Butter and Mushrooms

Add butter directly to the pan with the sausage. Once melted, stir in the sliced mushrooms. Cook until they release their moisture and turn soft with light golden edges.

4. Stir in Garlic and Seasoning

Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently and cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic smells fragrant.

5. Pour in the Cream

Lower the heat slightly and pour in the whipping cream. Stir slowly so it blends with the sausage and mushrooms. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss everything together so the sauce coats each piece. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

7. Finish with Parsley

Turn off the heat and sprinkle in the chopped parsley. Stir gently and taste once more to adjust seasoning if needed.

Tips and Variations

• Skip the red pepper flakes for less heat.
• Add a small splash of cream before serving.
• A little grated Parmesan works nicely on top.
• Cremini mushrooms add deeper flavor.
• Use half cream and half milk for a softer sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Sausage Mushroom Pasta works best with simple sides. A crisp green salad balances the richness. Garlic bread or warm rolls help soak up extra sauce.

When serving guests, I like adding fresh parsley and cracked pepper on top. It makes the dish look fresh and finished with very little effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes. Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni all work well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can, but it tastes best fresh. Reheat gently with a splash of cream.

Is this freezer friendly?

Cream sauces do not freeze well, so refrigeration is better.

Can I use chicken sausage?

Yes, chicken sausage works and makes it a bit lighter.

How long do leftovers last?

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Sausage Mushroom Pasta feels like a bowl of comfort after a long day. The sauce stays rich, the sausage adds depth, and the mushrooms bring balance.