If you’re on the hunt for a dish that combines hearty flavors, creamy textures, and just the right amount of spice, look no further than the Marry Me Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe. This beloved pasta dish brings together rich Italian sausage, luscious sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety cream sauce, making every forkful a celebration. It’s comfort food elevated to something special, perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing guests without a fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Marry Me Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is simple but crucial, bringing its own unique touch to the dish. From the spice of the Italian sausage to the tangy burst of sun-dried tomatoes and the fragrant hint of fresh basil, the harmonized flavors promise a meal that’s truly satisfying.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Use your favorite variety; penne or rigatoni soak up the sauce wonderfully.
- 11 ounces Italian sausage: Opt for either spicy or sweet depending on your preference, just make sure to remove the casing.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a lovely aromatic depth and sharpness.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine: Helps deglaze the pan and adds a subtle acidity.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates the silky, rich sauce everyone craves.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Provides a concentrated pop of umami and color.
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes: These little gems bring a sweet and tangy chewiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that brightens the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to warm your palate.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1 small handful fresh basil (chopped/torn): Adds a fresh, peppery finish.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional): A cheesy topping that melts beautifully into every bite.
How to Make Marry Me Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it’s just al dente according to the package instructions. The pasta’s firm texture will hold up perfectly when tossed in the creamy sauce, so don’t overcook it.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
While the pasta cooks, remove the sausage from its casings and crumble the meat into a hot skillet. Sauté over medium-high heat for about 5 to 7 minutes until the sausage is beautifully browned and full of flavor. This step builds the savory base of the dish, so take your time to get those caramelized edges.
Step 3: Prepare the Pan for the Sauce
Transfer the browned sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. If the skillet has an abundance of oil left, pour most of it off to prevent the sauce from getting greasy later on. Keeping just a hint of those flavorful browned bits is key.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Deglaze with Wine
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic straight into the skillet. Let it sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute, then pour in the dry white wine. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half – this concentrates the flavor and lifts all the caramelized goodness from the pan’s bottom.
Step 5: Make the Cornstarch Slurry
Combine the cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water in a small bowl and stir to create a smooth slurry. This mixture will help thicken the sauce perfectly without clumps, ensuring a creamy texture that clings to every pasta piece.
Step 6: Build the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream and tomato paste, mixing well so the tomato paste fully dissolves into the cream. Next, fold in the sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and the cornstarch slurry. Scrape the skillet’s bottom gently to incorporate any remaining browned bits from browning the sausage, adding depth to your sauce.
Step 7: Combine Sausage and Sauce
Add the cooked sausage back into the pan and let everything simmer together for a few minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cooks, coating the sausage pieces in a luscious creamy blend of heat, tang, and richness.
Step 8: Toss Pasta with Sauce
Drain the pasta, reserving a splash of the hot pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. Toss the pasta immediately with the sauce so every bite is bursting with flavor. Finish with fresh basil sprinkled on top and optionally, a generous grating of parmesan cheese for extra indulgence.
How to Serve Marry Me Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly torn basil leaves add a herbal brightness that cuts through the rich sauce beautifully. A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese melts delightfully on top, lending a salty, nutty finish that is simply irresistible. For a pop of color and texture, don’t be shy about adding extra sun-dried tomatoes or even a few chili flakes if you want more heat.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs fabulously with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia also work wonderfully to sop up any leftover sauce. For extra veggies, roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach bring a lovely contrast and complement the Italian-inspired flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve your Marry Me Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls, garnished with a basil sprig and a parmesan crisp on the side. Alternatively, for a cozy family-style dinner, present it in a large rustic serving bowl sprinkled with fresh herbs. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving adds an elegant sheen and richness to the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more, making it a delectable next-day meal. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
This pasta freezes well if you want to save portions for later. Pack it tightly in freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of headspace, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the creamy sauce smooth and luscious.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore the sauce’s silky consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible, as slow reheating preserves the texture of both sauce and sausage, making your leftovers taste just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage provides robust seasoning, turkey sausage is a leaner alternative that still delivers great flavor. You might want to add a pinch more herbs and spices for that classic Italian taste.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Penne, rigatoni, or ziti are ideal because their ridges and tube shapes hold onto the creamy sauce well. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative and use dairy-free cheese if desired. Keep in mind this will change the flavor profile slightly but still results in a delicious, creamy dish.
Is the wine necessary in the sauce?
The dry white wine adds acidity and depth to the sauce, balancing the richness of the cream and sausage. If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with chicken broth plus a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
How spicy is the Marry Me Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe?
The recipe has a mild kick from the crushed red pepper flakes and the sausage’s natural spice, but it’s easily adjustable. Add more red pepper flakes for heat or reduce them for a gentler flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making the Marry Me Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe enough if you want a dish that’s quick to prepare but feels truly special. It’s a wonderful way to bring family and friends together over a comforting, flavor-packed meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try and watch it work its magic at your table!
Print
Marry Me Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A creamy, flavorful Marry Me Italian Sausage Pasta combining spicy Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious white wine cream sauce, tossed with al dente pasta for a comforting and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Sausage and Protein
- 11 ounces Italian sausage (see note)
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (see note)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Garnish
- 1 small handful fresh basil (chopped/torn)
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a salted pot of water and cook your pasta al dente according to package directions to ensure the perfect texture for tossing with the sauce.
- Brown Sausage: Remove sausage from casings and crumble into a skillet. Sauté over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until nicely browned, developing rich flavor and texture.
- Drain Excess Fat: Transfer browned sausage to a paper towel-lined plate. Discard most of the fat remaining in the pan to avoid greasy sauce.
- Sauté Garlic and Wine: Lower heat to medium, add minced garlic and white wine to the skillet. Let it bubble for about one minute or until the liquid reduces by half, enhancing the sauce’s depth.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 teaspoons cold water to create a slurry that will thicken the sauce without lumps.
- Create Sauce Base: Stir heavy cream and tomato paste into the pan until the tomato paste is well incorporated. Then add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and the cornstarch slurry while scraping up browned bits for flavor.
- Combine Sausage and Sauce: Return the browned sausage to the skillet and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Drain the pasta, optionally reserving some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed. Toss pasta with the creamy sausage sauce thoroughly for an even coating.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve immediately with fresh torn basil sprinkled on top and freshly grated parmesan cheese for extra richness if desired.
Notes
- Use high-quality Italian sausage for best flavor; spicy or mild depending on preference.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness; choose oil-packed for richer taste.
- Reserve a splash of pasta cooking water before draining to adjust sauce consistency.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but recommended to enhance flavor and add saltiness.
- Dry white wine should be a crisp variety like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
