Creamy Mushroom and Sausage Pasta

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225g) pasta 8 ounces (225g) pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 8 ounces (225g) mushrooms, sliced 8 ounces (225g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 35g, 15g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon.
3. 3.
   Add the mushrooms, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the mushrooms are golden brown and the onions are translucent.
4. 4.
   Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. 5.
   Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until it is evenly coated with the sauce.
7. 7.
   Serve the Creamy Mushroom and Sausage Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Italian sausage — Remove the casings before cooking to ensure the sausage crumbles easily.
• Mushrooms — Slice the mushrooms evenly to ensure they cook uniformly and develop a golden brown color.
• Heavy cream — Use full-fat heavy cream for a richer and creamier sauce.
• Parmesan cheese — Grate the Parmesan cheese fresh for the best flavor and texture.
• Pasta — Cook the pasta until al dente to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
• If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth.
• Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables such as spinach or roasted bell peppers.
• Sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for a touch of heat.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Mushroom and Sausage Pasta as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. It pairs well with a glass of red wine.

Presentation advice

Garnish the pasta with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in a shallow pasta bowl or on a large plate to showcase the creamy sauce and the vibrant mushrooms.