If you are looking for a dish that checks every box—comforting, flavorful, quick, and downright delicious—look no further than this Easy Marry Me Sausage Pasta Recipe. This pasta is a personal favorite because it brings together savory sausage, creamy sauce, and vibrant spinach, all tossed with tender pasta in less than 30 minutes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or an impromptu dinner for friends, this dish feels special yet comes together effortlessly. Trust me, once you try it, it’s destined to be on your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients simple is part of what makes this recipe so irresistible. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect balance of flavors and textures—from the richness of sausage and cream to the brightness of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach.
- 12 oz sausage (Italian, smoked, or your favorite): The star protein that adds bold, savory depth to the dish.
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or short pasta: The ideal pasta shape to soak up all that luscious sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and a subtle kick to the sauce.
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Brings a tangy, chewy pop of flavor and stunning color.
- 2 cups spinach: Fresh and vibrant, it balances the richness with a mild earthiness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the irresistibly creamy, silky sauce that envelops the pasta.
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty goodness that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce while boosting savory flavor complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle heat to excite the palate without overwhelming.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and infusing richness from the start.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle peppery bite, rounding out the dish’s flavor profile.
How to Make Easy Marry Me Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage to Perfection
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your sausage—Italian, smoked, or whatever you prefer—and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and fragrant. Browning the sausage properly unlocks deep, savory flavors that become the foundation of this dish. Once cooked, remove the sausage and set it aside. This step creates a wonderfully flavorful base to build on.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In the same skillet with all those tasty sausage bits, add the minced garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds until it releases that delightful aroma—but don’t let it burn! Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir so they warm through, releasing their tangy sweetness into the pan. This layer provides a lovely contrast against the creamy sauce to come.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking and scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any flavorful bits left behind by the sausage and tomatoes. This combination creates the luscious sauce that will coat every pasta piece. Bringing this mixture up to a gentle simmer helps it thicken as the pasta cooks directly in the sauce.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Simmer Until Tender
Now it’s time to stir in your uncooked pasta right into the sauce. Allow the pasta to cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This method lets the pasta absorb the creamy, savory sauce while softening perfectly without needing to boil separately. It’s kitchen magic that saves time and makes cleanup easier!
Step 5: Finish with Sausage, Spinach, and Cheese
Return the browned sausage to the skillet along with fresh spinach, parmesan cheese, and if using, crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce creating a rich, velvety texture and wonderful depth of flavor. This final mix-in adds freshness and melty, umami-packed goodness.
Step 6: Season and Serve Hot
Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Give the entire dish a final gentle stir, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. Serve hot, and don’t be shy with a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top if you want that perfect finishing touch!
How to Serve Easy Marry Me Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes really elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. Fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can add a lovely aromatic finish that impresses anyone sitting at your table.
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette are fantastic choices for soaking up any leftover sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement this meal beautifully and add something healthy to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for a pop of color. A rustic wooden board with the pasta alongside sliced sausage and a cheese board will make the meal feel festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Marry Me Sausage Pasta Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better the next day. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing to keep the texture intact.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this pasta for up to two months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. When freezing, it’s best to undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t become mushy when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Alternatively, microwaving in short intervals with stirring in between works, ensuring the pasta heats evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is recommended for its size and shape, you can swap in penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly based on the pasta used.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich and creamy texture, but if you prefer a lighter option, you could substitute half-and-half or whole milk combined with a little cornstarch to thicken. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a similar hearty texture while keeping the same creamy, flavorful sauce.
How spicy is this pasta?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild, gentle heat that you can adjust to your liking or omit entirely if you prefer no spice.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely! This Easy Marry Me Sausage Pasta Recipe holds up well in the fridge for a few days, making it perfect for preparing ahead and enjoying quick, satisfying meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If you want a meal that feels like a warm hug but requires minimal effort, you simply must try this Easy Marry Me Sausage Pasta Recipe. It’s a beautiful balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors with enough heartiness to satisfy the soul. Trust me when I say it’s a crowd-pleaser and a total game-changer for quick dinners. Whip it up soon and get ready to fall in love with pasta all over again!
Print
Easy Marry Me Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Marry Me Sausage Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish that combines savory sausage, tender pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe offers a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave a comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 12 oz sausage (Italian, smoked, or your favorite)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or short pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan.
- Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir to warm them through, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well while scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Cook Pasta in Sauce: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni or short pasta directly into the skillet. Stir to combine, then simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet along with the fresh spinach, grated parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Taste the pasta and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired for an added cheesy touch.
Notes
- You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as Italian, smoked, or spicy for varied flavor.
- If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers can be a good substitute.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but sauce may be less rich.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level or omit them for a milder dish.
- This recipe works best cooked on the stovetop using one large skillet or sauté pan.
