If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that feels cozy, tastes incredible, and comes together in a flash, then look no further than this Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners Recipe. It perfectly balances the bold flavors of Italian sausage with the fresh, vibrant notes of basil pesto and creamy Parmesan, creating a pasta dish that’s both satisfying and fuss-free. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends on a busy evening, this recipe promises a tasty, comforting meal that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully simple yet each one plays a vital role in building the rich, harmonious flavors and textures in this dish. From the hearty sausage to the creamy pesto sauce, every component brings something to the table that makes this pasta shine.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini): Choose your favorite shape for perfect sauce cling and satisfying bites.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness while helping to brown the sausage evenly.
- 12 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed: Provides that savory, meaty depth essential for hearty weeknight dinners.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with irresistible aroma and subtle bite.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a silky, luscious sauce that beautifully balances the pesto’s brightness.
- 1/2 cup basil pesto: Brings fresh herbal notes and vibrant green color packed with flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving): Adds a salty, nutty finish that ties the whole dish together.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers just the right amount of warmth and spice.
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water: Helps loosen the sauce for that perfect, silky consistency.
- Optional red pepper flakes: For a little kick if you like things spicy.
How to Make Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta until al dente—this means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Don’t forget to reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, as this starchy water is key to creating a silky sauce that clings to every piece.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the Italian sausage (with casings removed) and cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a spoon to break the meat into smaller pieces as it browns, ensuring a deliciously caramelized, flavorful base for your dish.
Step 3: Add Garlic for Aroma
Once the sausage is beautifully browned, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for just 30 seconds until fragrant—this quick step aromatizes the entire dish without overpowering the sausage’s rich flavor.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce
Turn the heat down to low and add the heavy cream along with the basil pesto. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and perfectly combined. This creamy pesto sauce is what elevates your pasta to next-level deliciousness.
Step 5: Toss Pasta with Sauce
Now, add the cooked pasta right into the skillet and toss to coat every piece in the luscious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually mix in the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up until silky and dreamy.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan, Salt, and Pepper
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and flavors to meld beautifully. Then, it’s ready to be served piping hot!
How to Serve Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners Recipe
Garnishes
Top your pasta with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkling of red pepper flakes if you’re craving a touch of heat. Fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also add an extra layer of flavor and make the presentation pop.
Side Dishes
A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette or garlic bread are excellent companions to this creamy pasta. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or cherry tomatoes bring fresh color and contrast to the richness of the dish, rounding out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the sausage pesto pasta in individual bowls garnished with microgreens or toasted pine nuts for crunch. Alternatively, stuff roasted bell peppers with this pasta for a delightful handheld dinner option that’s both charming and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This pasta keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a smart choice for planning quick lunches or effortless next-day dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save this Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners Recipe for longer, freezing is an option. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Keep in mind that the texture of the cream sauce may slightly change upon thawing, but a quick stir and reheating will bring it back to life.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy and luscious. Avoid overheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne or rotini are great for catching the sauce, but feel free to use fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. The recipe is flexible and delicious no matter the pasta choice.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian twist that still delivers on flavor and texture.
Can I prepare the pesto sauce from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade basil pesto adds a wonderful freshness to this dish. Blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil to create your own vibrant pesto.
How spicy is this pasta dish?
The spice level depends on the sausage you choose and whether you add red pepper flakes. Using mild sausage keeps it gentle, while spicy sausage and red pepper flakes will bring a nice kick.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, adding veggies like cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, or zucchini is a great way to boost nutrition and add color. Toss them in when you add the cream and pesto so they cook gently with the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners Recipe is a total game-changer when you want something flavorful, comforting, and ready in about half an hour. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, and I can’t wait for you to make it your own. Give it a try tonight—you’ll love how effortlessly delicious weeknight dinners can be!
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Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta is a perfect weeknight dinner recipe that combines flavorful Italian sausage with creamy basil pesto sauce and tender pasta. Quick to prepare and packed with savory goodness, it’s an ideal comforting meal for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta such as penne or rotini
Sauce and Sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- Optional: red pepper flakes for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Brown the Sausage. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Add Garlic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Sauce. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Add reserved pasta cooking water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Notes
- You can use spicy or mild Italian sausage based on your flavor preference.
- Add cherry tomatoes or baby spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
- This dish reheats well; add a splash of cream or water while reheating to keep the sauce silky.
