Description
This Saucy Sausage and Lemon Pasta features tender rigatoni tossed in a creamy, zesty lemon sauce with savory Italian sausage. The mix of garlic, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan brings a flavorful richness balanced by fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (such as rigatoni or penne)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Salt, to taste
Sauce and Sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Cook the Sausage. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Lemon and Cream. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then add the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine the flavors, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Parmesan Cheese. Reduce the heat to low and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta With Sauce. Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Season and Serve. Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage for added heat or substitute with chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Serve with crusty bread and a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
