Easy Marry Me Sausage Pasta has earned a permanent spot in my weeknight dinner rotation. This creamy, indulgent pasta combines Italian sausage with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan in a sauce so rich and satisfying, it supposedly inspired marriage proposals (hence the name).
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Easy Marry Me Sausage Pasta
I’ve made this recipe at least a dozen times, and I always use quality Italian sausage because it’s the flavor foundation of the whole dish. My go-to is a local brand with visible fennel and herbs, but any grocery store Italian sausage works well. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed) – I usually go with mild and add heat with red pepper flakes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (measured whole, then chopped) – Pro tip: use oil-packed for richer flavor
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream – In my experience, don’t substitute with half-and-half or the sauce won’t be creamy enough
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated melts smoother)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – I recommend starting with less if you’re heat-sensitive
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish – My preference is to tear it by hand rather than chopping to prevent browning
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil for your pasta. I recommend getting this going first so everything finishes around the same time.
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions (usually 8-11 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, you’ll prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat (around setting 5-6 on most stoves) and add the olive oil. Once it shimmers, crumble in the Italian sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply browned and no pink remains. The meat should have some nice caramelization on it. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate.
Step 3: In the same skillet with those flavorful drippings, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic turns golden and smells fragrant. Add about ¼ cup of the chicken broth and scrape up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom with your wooden spoon (this is where tons of flavor lives).
Step 4: Pour in the remaining chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Add the grated parmesan and whisk until the cheese melts completely and the sauce looks smooth. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable (not as thick as alfredo, more like a light cream sauce).
Step 5: Return the cooked sausage and the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together using tongs until every piece of pasta is coated in that creamy sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want extra heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Serve immediately while hot, topped with torn fresh basil leaves and extra parmesan if desired. The basil adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness perfectly.
What to Serve with Easy Marry Me Sausage Pasta
This rich, creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with lighter sides that provide contrast and cut through the sauce’s richness.
Garlic Bread: Crusty, buttery garlic bread rolls are perfect for soaking up every drop of that incredible cream sauce, and the crunchy texture makes a nice contrast to the tender pasta.
Simple Arugula Salad: The peppery bite of fresh arugula dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy, savory pasta and adds important nutritional balance to your plate.
Roasted Broccoli: Lightly charred chicken sausage and broccoli orzo uses similar ingredients, or simply roast broccoli florets with olive oil and garlic to complement the Italian flavors while adding fiber and vitamins.
Classic Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons create a familiar side that nearly everyone loves alongside rich pasta dishes like this one.
Sautéed Green Beans: Quick-cooked green beans with butter and toasted almonds add a fresh, crisp element that balances the hearty pasta beautifully.
Autumn Wild Rice Soup: For a heartier meal, serve a cup of this warming soup as a starter before the pasta.
Storing and Reheating Your Pasta
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. The pasta will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. Honestly, the flavors develop even more overnight as everything melds together.
When reheating, add 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or chicken broth to a skillet over medium-low heat, then add your pasta. Stir frequently until heated through (about 5 minutes). This helps loosen the sauce and brings back that just-made creaminess. You can also microwave it, but stir in a splash of liquid first and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, to prevent drying out.
This dish freezes reasonably well for up to 2 months, though the cream sauce texture may change slightly upon thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with extra cream to restore the silky consistency. For best results, I recommend making this fresh rather than freezing.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork?
Yes, turkey or chicken sausage works well for a lighter version. The dish will have a milder flavor, so consider adding extra Italian seasoning or garlic to boost the taste.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken, or whisk in an additional tablespoon of parmesan. The sauce thickens as it cools slightly, so don’t worry if it seems a touch thin in the pan.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce ahead and refrigerate it, but cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve. Combine them just before eating for the best texture. Pasta tends to absorb sauce when sitting, making it dry.
Easy Marry Me Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions (usually 8-11 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, crumble in the Italian sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply browned and no pink remains. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate.
- In the same skillet with the drippings, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic turns golden and fragrant. Add about 1/4 cup of the chicken broth and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in the remaining chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the grated parmesan and whisk until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Return the cooked sausage and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together using tongs until every piece of pasta is coated in the sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately while hot, topped with torn fresh basil leaves and extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
