Here’s a clean, polished recipe-card style version with just the essentials 👌
Cheesy Sausage Penne in Garlic Parmesan Creamy Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup smooth tomato sauce
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Directions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato sauce, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer 1–2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and stir until smooth.
- Add cream cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens.
- Mix in mozzarella and Parmesan until fully melted and creamy.
- Season with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, to taste.
- Add pasta and toss to coat, loosening with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Servings: 4
Time: ~35 minutes
If you want this adapted for Instagram, Pinterest, or a cookbook layout, or want a lighter or spicier version, just say the word 🍝🔥
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