Spicy Sausage and Fettuccine in Creamy Garlic Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta

• 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (removed from casing)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, about 9-11 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce later. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Remove any excess grease if necessary. Once the sausage is ready, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn garlic can turn bitter if overcooked.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Once the garlic is fragrant, add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring constantly. Bring it to a simmer, allowing the cream to thicken slightly. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet along with the red pepper flakes. Stir to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, as needed. Once the sausage is well-coated in the sauce, add the cooked fettuccine pasta. Toss the pasta and sausage together, making sure the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.