Cheesy Sausage Penne in Garlic Parmesan Creamy Tomato Sauce

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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

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked.
  3. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer 1–2 minutes.
  5. Add heavy cream and stir until smooth.
  6. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens.
  7. Mix in mozzarella and Parmesan until fully melted and creamy.
  8. Season with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, to taste.
  9. Add pasta and toss to coat, loosening with reserved pasta water if needed.
  10. 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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