If you are searching for a pasta dish that wraps you in warmth and bursts with layers of flavor, look no further than this Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe. It’s a sensational blend of tender ditalini pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce loaded with savory Italian sausage, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a perfect hint of herbs and spice. Every bite delivers a comforting, decadent experience that makes it ideal for cozy weeknights or impressing friends with minimal fuss. This dish strikes the perfect balance between creamy indulgence and vibrant, savory notes that will quickly make it a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine. Each component plays a crucial role, from the pasta’s bite to the sausage’s savory depth and the sun-dried tomatoes’ bright, chewy surprise. Here’s a list of everything you’ll want on hand:
- Ditalini pasta: Small, tube-shaped pasta that holds the creamy sauce beautifully and cooks quickly to a perfect al dente texture.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth richness and helps brown the sausage evenly for maximum flavor.
- Italian sausage (casings removed): Brings bold, spiced meatiness that is the backbone of this dish.
- Small onion (diced): Softens into sweetness, creating a lovely base for the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): A must-have aromatic that amps up the flavor to irresistible levels.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds classic Mediterranean hints and depth.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle heat to balance the creamy richness.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce’s complexity.
- Chicken broth: Thins and enriches the sauce while keeping it savory and light.
- Heavy cream: The star of the creaminess in this recipe, creating that luscious saucy texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the sauce with a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Bursts of tangy sweetness cut through the richness wonderfully.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all the flavors harmoniously.
- Fresh basil (chopped): Brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal note right before serving.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Cook the ditalini pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the ditalini pasta until just al dente following the package instructions. This ensures the pasta is firm enough to hold its shape and absorb the sauce. Don’t forget to save half a cup of the pasta water before draining; it will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 2: Brown the Italian sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. In about 5 minutes, you’ll see it turn beautifully browned and deliciously fragrant. This step builds the meat’s flavor foundation and brings richness to the whole dish.
Step 3: Sauté onion, garlic, and spices
Next, toss the diced onion into the skillet, softening it for about 3 minutes until translucent and tender. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of a kick, then cook for an additional minute. These aromatics open up the dish with layers of warmth and herbal complexity.
Step 4: Add tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes
Mix in the tomato paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute. This step is key to developing a concentrated, tangy tomato flavor that brings a pleasant chew and contrast to the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Simmer with chicken broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly over about 2 minutes; this intensifies the sauce’s savory notes and helps meld all those flavors together beautifully.
Step 6: Stir in cream and Parmesan
Reduce the heat to medium-low and blend in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens to a creamy dream. This silky texture is what makes the Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe such a standout.
Step 7: Combine pasta and sauce
Add the cooked ditalini into the skillet, tossing to coat every tiny tube with that luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time to reach the perfect consistency that clings to the pasta.
Step 8: Finish with seasoning and basil
Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and stir in chopped fresh basil for a burst of herbaceous brightness that lifts the entire dish.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few torn basil leaves on top to add visual appeal and enhance the fresh flavors. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving also adds a lovely silky finish.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia is also perfect for mopping up every last drop of that heavenly sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve the pasta in shallow white bowls to showcase the contrast of colors — the golden sausage bits, bright red sun-dried tomatoes, and vibrant green basil. You can also sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or chili flakes on top for extra texture and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great next-day meal option.
Freezing
Freezing creamy pasta dishes can sometimes affect texture, so while it’s possible, it’s best to freeze only the cooked sausage and sauce separately without the pasta. When ready, thaw and reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked ditalini pasta.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive the creaminess without breaking the sauce. Microwaving is fine but watch carefully to avoid overheating, which can cause separation.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ditalini is perfect for catching the sauce in its tiny tubes, other small pasta like elbow macaroni or small shells work well too.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the Italian sausage and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage to keep the hearty texture and flavor.
How spicy is the Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe?
The heat level is mild by default; you can easily customize the spice by adjusting or leaving out the red pepper flakes according to your preference.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a crowd?
This dish is fantastic for entertaining with minimal prep. Cook the pasta and sauce separately ahead, then combine and warm through just before serving to keep everything fresh and creamy.
What wine pairs best with this creamy sausage pasta?
A medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red such as Chianti complements the richness and herbaceous notes perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is waiting to become a new staple in your kitchen. Its irresistible combination of savory sausage, creamy sauce, and bright sun-dried tomatoes is an absolute crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with every spoonful!
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Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender pasta tossed in a luxurious sauce made from Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy Parmesan, and fresh basil. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, the recipe combines savory, spicy, and creamy elements for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounce ditalini pasta
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounce Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ditalini pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Brown Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Develop Flavor: Stir in the tomato paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute to deepen the flavors.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 2 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked ditalini pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it well in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil before serving hot.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; adjust based on your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for better flavor and creaminess.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative, but the texture will be less rich.
- Make sure to remove the sausage casing for easier cooking and better texture.
- This pasta is best served immediately but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
