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Saucy Sausage and Lemon Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 49 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
  • Diet: Nut-Free

Description

This Saucy Sausage and Lemon Pasta is a delightful Italian-inspired main course featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a creamy, tangy sauce made with Italian sausage, garlic, white wine, heavy cream, and fresh lemon zest and juice. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make one-pan dinner that balances richness with a fresh citrusy brightness.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 ounces pasta (such as rigatoni or penne)

Sauce and Sausage

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Brown Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Deglaze with Wine or Broth: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and cook for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for added flavor.
  5. Add Cream and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Incorporate Lemon and Cheese: Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.
  7. Season and Combine: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the dish and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

  • Use sweet or spicy Italian sausage based on your flavor preference.
  • For a lighter cream sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
  • Add fresh spinach or peas for extra vegetables and color.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/saucy-sausage-and-lemon-pasta-recipe-2/