If you’re craving a cozy, flavor-packed meal that comes together fast, this Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners is about to be your new best friend. Picture savory sausage, bright and herby pesto, juicy bursts of cherry tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce—all wrapped around tender pasta. It’s the kind of dish that looks like you spent hours, but really, you’ve got dinner on the table in 30 minutes (with only one pan to wash!). Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just spoiling yourself after a long day, this is the ultimate satisfying pasta—warm, irresistible, and perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple, accessible ingredients that each bring their own special magic to the dish. Every one plays a key role in the flavor, texture, or pop of color that makes this Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners so exceptional and crave-worthy.
- Pasta (12 oz, penne or rigatoni): Sturdy shapes like penne or rigatoni soak up all that creamy sauce and hold up beautifully with sausage bites.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just a splash helps brown the sausage and deliver a lovely, savory base for the sauce.
- Italian sausage (1 pound, casings removed): The superstar of this dish, adding hearty flavor and cravable spice—use sweet or spicy depending on your mood!
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential for that mouthwatering aroma and a background note of warmth in every bite.
- Basil pesto (½ cup, jarred): The shortcut to tons of bright, herby flavor—store-bought works great on busy nights.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Adds irresistible richness and makes the sauce unbelievably silky.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Classic, nutty flavor that pulls everything together and adds a perfect cheesy finish.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Pops of freshness, color, and sweetness that balance the rich sauce.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): A final seasoning brings all the flavors into harmony—don’t forget to taste and adjust!
- Fresh basil & extra Parmesan (optional for garnish): Takes the dish from “weeknight” to “wow”—highly recommended if you want those restaurant vibes!
How to Make Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. That perfect bit of chew is key to making your Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners soak up all the sauce without turning mushy. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside—trust me, it’s liquid gold for adjusting the final sauce!
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta works its magic, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage (casings off) and break it up with a spoon as it browns. Within 6 to 8 minutes, you’ll have crisp, caramelized bits that form the delicious backbone of the dish. You can use spicy or mild sausage depending on how much kick you prefer, but either way, don’t rush this step—the browning is where flavor happens!
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Once your sausage is browned, stir in the minced garlic for about one minute. This quick sauté releases that tantalizing aroma and deepens the flavor of the sauce, but be careful not to burn it. Keep it moving in the pan and let it just turn fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the basil pesto and heavy cream all at once. The pesto floods the pan with herby, garlicky goodness, while the cream transforms the mixture into a luscious, velvety sauce. Give it a couple of minutes to bubble gently and thicken—resist the urge to crank up the heat, because gentle simmering keeps everything smooth and dreamy.
Step 5: Finish and Combine
Add your drained pasta directly into the skillet, along with grated Parmesan and those irresistible cherry tomato halves. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy, pesto-flecked sauce. If it seems a little thick, loosen it up with a splash of reserved pasta water until glossy and perfect. Taste, then season with salt and black pepper as needed for balance. For extra flair, top with a handful of fresh basil and another shower of Parmesan before serving.
How to Serve Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners
Garnishes
This pasta shines all on its own, but finishing with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and torn basil leaves will give it that irresistible restaurant look and a bright pop of color. A crack of black pepper or even a little drizzle of extra olive oil never hurts, especially if you want to go all out for your Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with a crisp green salad—think arugula tossed with lemon and olive oil—or some roasted veggies for extra nutrition. For something even more indulgent, a warm hunk of garlic bread is unbeatable for mopping up any creamy sauce left on your plate. Simple steamed green beans or broccoli make great sides too, cutting through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to serve your Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners at a dinner party or make it feel extra special, try spooning it into shallow bowls and garnishing each one like a chef: add a swirl of pesto, some shaved Parmesan, and a few whole cherry tomatoes. You can also bake it in a casserole dish for a twist, or pair it with a bottle of your favorite Italian wine for a cozy, celebratory meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem! Scoop any remaining Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners into an airtight container and tuck it into your fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to three days. For best results, store any extra sauce separately if you can—this will keep the pasta from soaking it all up and getting too soft.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta, but the texture of the cream may change slightly when thawed. If you do want to freeze it, let everything cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It’s best to enjoy within a month for optimal flavor. When ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best, non-mushy results.
Reheating
To reheat, scoop the pasta into a skillet along with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and reheat gently over low heat, stirring often. This brings back the creamy finish and prevents the sauce from separating. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners with gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Just be sure to check the pasta a couple minutes early so it’s perfectly al dente and doesn’t overcook in the sauce.
Can I substitute chicken or turkey sausage?
Yes! Chicken or turkey sausage tastes fantastic in Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners. They’re both lighter than traditional pork, but bring all the hearty, savory flavor you want in this recipe.
Is there a vegetarian way to make this dish?
Definitely—simply swap in your favorite vegetarian sausage or sauté some sliced mushrooms for a filling, umami-packed alternative. The rest of the recipe stays the same!
Can I use homemade pesto instead of jarred?
Homemade pesto is a wonderful upgrade if you have some on hand. The freshness really shines through, but jarred pesto gives you a quick, reliable shortcut for busy weeknights.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Spinach wilted in the sauce, roasted bell peppers, or steamed broccoli florets all pair deliciously with the flavors in Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners is truly a “keeper” that’s saved me more times than I can count, and I hope it becomes a staple at your table, too. It’s quick, bursting with flavor, and so comforting—give it a try and let it take the stress out of dinnertime!
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Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta is a delicious and quick weeknight dinner option. The creamy pesto sauce paired with savory Italian sausage creates a flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta:
12 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed), 3 cloves garlic (minced), ½ cup jarred basil pesto, ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), salt and black pepper to taste, fresh basil and extra Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook sausage until browned. Add garlic, then stir in pesto and cream.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked pasta, Parmesan, and tomatoes to the skillet. Toss to coat.
- Finish and Serve: Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water, season with salt and pepper, garnish, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use spicy Italian sausage or substitute with chicken or turkey sausage for variation.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
