How to Create Perfect Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage

Sausage Selection and Preparation

Choosing quality Italian sausage and properly browning it creates deep flavor foundations for the entire dish.

Flavor Building

Using the sausage drippings to cook aromatics creates layers of flavor that enhance the final sauce.

Sauce Consistency

Achieving the perfect balance of reduction and thickening creates a sauce that clings to the sausage and pasta without becoming too thick.

Cheese Integration

Adding Parmesan gradually and at the right temperature ensures a smooth, non-grainy sauce texture.

Baking Tips

For maximum flavor, use fresh Italian sausages from a butcher if available.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir into the simmering sauce.

The sauce may separate if boiled too vigorously after adding the cheese, so keep it at a gentle simmer.

For a lighter version, substitute half & half for the heavy cream.

This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently—the flavors often improve after resting.

Try different varieties of sausage such as fennel, garlic, or spicy Italian for flavor variations.

Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor dimension.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage

Name: Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage links (sweet or hot, according to preference); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional); 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional); 2 cups fresh spinach (optional); For serving (optional):; 1 pound pasta, cooked according to package directions; Crusty Italian bread; Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage features savory Italian sausage simmered in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. The tender sausage pieces are enveloped in a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to pasta or crusty bread, creating a comforting and indulgent dish that balances bold Italian flavors with creamy decadence.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Total Time

45 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

1 pound Italian sausage links (sweet or hot, according to preference)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

2 cups fresh spinach (optional)

For serving (optional):

1 pound pasta, cooked according to package directions

Crusty Italian bread

Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage links and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.

Remove sausages from the pan and let cool slightly. Slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds or bite-sized pieces.

In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

If using, add white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer until reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes.

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop the flavor.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly.

Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.

Return the sliced sausage to the pan, along with any accumulated juices.

If using, add halved cherry tomatoes and spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts.

Stir in the fresh basil and parsley. Allow everything to simmer together for 3-5 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve over cooked pasta or with crusty bread for dipping. Garnish with additional fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Create Perfect Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage

Ingredients

Instructions