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Creamy Sausage and Lemon Pasta Recipe – Easy Dinner Idea

creamy sausage and lemon pasta - featured image

A quick and easy pasta dish featuring savory sausage, creamy sauce, and refreshing lemon for a perfectly balanced and unforgettable combination.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Spaghetti or fettuccine (or any long pasta)
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon (juice and zest)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-6 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the consistency is just right.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding cream to prevent separation. Fresh lemon zest is essential for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy pasta, sausage pasta, lemon pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe