Pesto Alfredo with Italian Sausage

Pesto Alfredo with Italian Sausage is a rich, comforting pasta dish that combines the creamy indulgence of classic Alfredo sauce with the fresh, herby flavor of basil pesto and the bold, savory taste of Italian sausage. This recipe brings together everything people love about cozy pasta dinners: a silky sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and hearty sausage that makes every bite satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy enough to make at home, making it perfect for family dinners, casual entertaining, or when you simply want something warm and filling without a lot of stress.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until fully browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Start the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Stir in the Pesto
Add the basil pesto to the Alfredo sauce and mix until fully incorporated. The sauce should turn a light green color and smell fragrant and fresh. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto Alfredo sauce and the sausage is well distributed throughout.

Step 7: Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Variations

• Use chicken instead of sausage for a lighter version
• Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
• Substitute half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce
• Use spicy Italian sausage for more heat

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Pair with a crisp green salad or Caesar salad
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before serving
• Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness

Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Info

This dish is high in protein from Italian sausage and calcium from Parmesan cheese. Nutritional values may vary depending on portion size and ingredients used.

Conclusion

Pesto Alfredo with Italian Sausage is a bold, creamy pasta dish that combines comforting flavors with a fresh herbal twist. Easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying, it’s a perfect recipe to keep in your rotation when you want a hearty meal that feels special without being complicated.