Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage is a rich, flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of Italian sausage with a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s a perfect comfort food, often served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage:
Ingredients:
- For the Sausage:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (either mild or spicy, based on your preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using uncooked sausage, to brown)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine for added depth of flavor)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (use a good quality cheese)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra richness)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Sausage:
- If you are using whole Italian sausage links, remove the casing and crumble the sausage into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes).
- Once the sausage is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Add the chicken broth (or white wine) to the skillet and stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Bring the broth to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- For extra richness, stir in the butter (optional) until melted and combined.
- Combine the Sausage with the Sauce:
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, stirring to coat the sausage in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Let it simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, so the sausage absorbs some of the sauce and everything is heated through.
- Serve:
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pasta: This creamy Parmesan Italian sausage pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
- Rice: For a simple side, serve it over steamed rice or risotto.
- Bread: Serve with garlic bread or crusty French bread to dip into the creamy sauce.
This dish is rich, comforting, and full of flavor—perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests. Enjoy!