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Saucy Sausage and Lemon Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 58 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-American

Description

This Saucy Sausage and Lemon Pasta is a vibrant, creamy dish combining zesty lemon, savory Italian sausage, and tender pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, the recipe features a luscious sauce made with garlic, white wine, and Parmesan cheese, delivering a delightful balance of flavors with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s an inviting Italian-American main course that’s sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)

Sauce and Sausage

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
  2. Brown the Sausage: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook for about 7–8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Add Spice: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly and develop flavor.
  5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  7. Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Use spicy Italian sausage for a bit of heat or mild sausage for a more subtle flavor.
  • For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
  • Add baby spinach at the end of cooking for added color and nutrients.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
  • Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

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