Creamy, Cheesy Italian Sausage and Basil Penne

Creamy, Cheesy Italian Sausage and Basil Penne

Decadent and sumptuous, yet so quick and easy, this Creamy, Cheesy Italian Sausage and Basil Penne is comfort food at its best. Perfect weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

    1.5oz, 42g

  • 1 small onion

    chopped fine

  • 3 cloves garlic

    chopped fine or put through the garlic press

  • 1 lb sweet Italian sausage **see note**

    454g

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

    or a mix of dried basil, thyme, marjoram, and oregano

  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup chicken broth

    8.3oz, 235g

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

    12.6oz, 357g

  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

    2.6oz, 74g

  • handful of fresh basil

    sliced thin

  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lb penne pasta

    454g

  • 1 tablespoon butter

    .5oz, 14g

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente. Drain and toss with butter.

  2. 2

    Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until it is soft and translucent.

Creamy, Cheesy Italian Sausage and Basil Penne

Creamy, Cheesy Italian Sausage and Basil Penne

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About this Recipe

Looking for that perfect bowl of comfort on a busy weeknight? This Creamy, Cheesy Italian Sausage and Basil Penne delivers decadent flavor without the fuss, making it a truly sumptuous yet quick and easy meal.

What makes this penne dish truly special is the harmonious blend of rich Italian sausage, a velvety cream sauce, and fragrant fresh basil. It's a satisfying meal that feels elaborate but comes together surprisingly easily, elevating humble ingredients into a comforting dinner that you'll want to make again and again.

Prepare for a rich and satisfying experience. You'll enjoy tender penne coated in a luscious, cheesy sauce, studded with savory sweet Italian sausage and brightened by the aromatic touch of fresh basil. The combination of Parmesan cheese and heavy cream creates an irresistibly smooth texture, while the finely chopped onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning build a deep, aromatic base for the sausage. Each bite offers a burst of savory goodness, balanced by the vibrant herbal notes of the basil.

While delicious as is, you can easily adapt this dish to your preferences. For a different protein, consider ground chicken or turkey in place of the Italian sausage. If you don't have fresh basil on hand, a little extra dried Italian seasoning, added early in the cooking process, can work in a pinch. You can also experiment with different short pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli if penne isn't available.

This Creamy, Cheesy Italian Sausage and Basil Penne is truly a standalone meal, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a comforting treat after a long day. Serve it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to sop up every last drop of the luscious sauce.

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