Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Smoked Sausage and Parmesan (Print version)

A rich, cozy Alfredo pasta with browned smoked sausage, garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan.

# Ingredients:

For the pasta and sausage

01 - 12 oz (340 g) short pasta, such as penne, rotini, or cellentani

02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

03 - 14 oz (400 g) fully cooked smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

For the Alfredo sauce

04 - 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter

05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced

06 - 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) heavy cream

07 - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

08 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for serving

10 - 1 1/4 cups (125 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

11 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water, as needed

12 - Salt, to taste

13 - 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain.

02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage in a single layer and cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping once or twice, until browned at the edges. Transfer to a plate.

03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet, then stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 30-45 seconds, just until fragrant.

04 - Pour in the heavy cream. Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

05 - Lower the heat to medium-low. Add Parmesan a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth before adding more.

06 - Add the drained pasta and browned sausage to the skillet. Toss until coated, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is glossy. Taste for salt, then serve with parsley, extra Parmesan, and black pepper.

# Good to know:

01 - Freshly grated Parmesan gives the smoothest sauce.

02 - Reserve pasta water before draining so you can loosen the Alfredo as needed.

03 - Best served right away while the sauce is hot and glossy.

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