Marry Me Italian Sausage Pasta

Some dishes just speak to the heart, and this Marry Me Italian Sausage Pasta is one of them. Creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor, it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to linger at the dinner table just a little longer. Sausage, pasta, and a luscious tomato cream sauce come together effortlessly, creating a dish that feels indulgent without being complicated.

Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner for the family or preparing a cozy meal for a date night, this recipe delivers on taste, ease, and comfort. In just 30 minutes, you can have a plate full of pasta that’s rich, flavorful, and irresistible.

Introduction

The Marry Me Pasta phenomenon has taken home kitchens by storm because of its promise: a dish so good it could inspire lifelong devotion. While the original recipe gained attention in restaurants and online, this version brings it home—using everyday ingredients, simple steps, and a fresh, vibrant flavor profile.

What makes this recipe stand out is its balance of richness and freshness. Juicy Italian sausage adds depth and savory notes, while sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil brighten every bite. The tomato cream sauce is luxuriously silky, hugging the pasta in a way that makes every forkful comforting and satisfying.

This is the perfect recipe for:

• Weeknight dinners when you want something fast but impressive.
• Date nights at home—because it’s indulgent, but easy.
• Family meals that please both kids and adults.
• Meal prep—you can store the leftovers and reheat without losing flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and creamy sauce: Tomato paste and heavy cream combine for the perfect velvety texture.
• Bold, savory sausage flavor: Italian sausage brings a robust, herby depth.
• Quick to make: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Family-friendly: Comforting and satisfying—kids love it, adults adore it.
• Easy to customize: Add vegetables, spice it up, or switch up the pasta shape.
• One-pan flavor booster: Cooking sausage and sauce in the same pan maximizes taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Pasta

• 8 ounces uncooked pasta
  Choose any type you prefer—penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti works well. Cook al dente for perfect texture.

Protein

• 11 ounces Italian sausage
  Remove from casings and crumble. Mild or spicy Italian sausage works; adjust spice to your taste.

Aromatics & Liquids

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
  Provides fragrant depth.
• ½ cup dry white wine
  Adds acidity and layers of flavor. Can substitute with chicken broth if preferred.

Creamy Tomato Sauce

• 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
  Forms the rich, luxurious base.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  Thickens the sauce and intensifies tomato flavor.
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes
  Adds tangy sweetness and a chewy texture; drain oil if using oil-packed tomatoes.

Herbs & Seasonings

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  Gives subtle heat and aromatic warmth.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  Mixed with cold water to thicken the sauce smoothly.
• 1 small handful fresh basil, chopped or torn
  Brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal aroma.

Optional Garnish

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  Sprinkled on top for an extra savory kick.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for cornstarch slurry
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Cheese grater (optional, for Parmesan)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook 8 ounces of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Pro Tip: Save a splash of pasta water before draining—it can be added to the sauce if needed to thin it slightly.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta cooks, remove 11 ounces of Italian sausage from casings and crumble into a skillet. Sauté over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes until browned.

Transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate. Discard excess fat, leaving a small amount for flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic & Deglaze

Reduce heat to medium. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in ½ cup dry white wine and let it bubble for about a minute or until reduced by half. This step lifts the flavorful browned bits from the pan.

Step 4: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons cold water to create a smooth slurry. This ensures your sauce thickens perfectly without clumps.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Mix until fully incorporated. Add:

• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Cornstarch slurry

Scrape up any browned bits from the pan to enhance the flavor of your sauce.

Step 6: Reintroduce the Sausage

Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking. Stir occasionally to combine.

Step 7: Combine Pasta & Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 8: Finish with Fresh Herbs & Cheese

Sprinkle fresh basil on top and, if desired, some grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

Make It Spicy

Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bold, spicy kick.

Add Vegetables

Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrients. Add with garlic in Step 3 to soften.

Substitute Protein

Try chicken sausage or ground turkey Italian sausage for a lighter alternative.

Pasta Options

Penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work beautifully. Adjust cooking time if using larger or smaller pasta shapes.

Dairy-Free Version

Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a dairy-free twist.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish is creamy, savory, and herb-forward. The Italian sausage brings a hearty, meaty depth, while sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness. Fresh basil brightens every bite, and the tomato cream sauce ties it all together.

Perfect Sides

• Garlic bread for dipping
• Simple mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli
• Steamed green beans for freshness

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

• Calories: 741
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fat: 47g
• Saturated Fat: 23g
• Cholesterol: 126mg
• Sodium: 635mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g

This is a hearty, indulgent meal. Perfect for dinner when you want something filling and flavorful.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cook sausage in advance: Store in an airtight container for 1–2 days and reheat before adding sauce.
• Sauce ahead: Prepare the creamy tomato sauce and store separately. Combine with pasta and sausage when ready to serve.
• Freeze: Combine pasta, sausage, and sauce for freezer meals. Freeze in airtight containers up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, but drain the oil first. Chop or julienne them for easier mixing in the sauce.

2. Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
Yes. Add it at the end to the sauce and toss gently to coat. Avoid overcooking.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Replace sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of wine if desired.

4. Can I adjust the spice?
Absolutely. Omit or increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

5. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Heavy cream provides the richness necessary for the sauce. You can use milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less decadent.

6. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or cream.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time	Description
Prep Ingredients	10 min	Chop garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil
Cook Pasta	10 min	Boil pasta al dente
Brown Sausage	5–7 min	Crumble and sauté sausage
Sauté Garlic & Wine	1 min	Bubble until reduced
Make Sauce	3–5 min	Add cream, tomato paste, herbs, and cornstarch slurry
Combine Sausage & Sauce	2–3 min	Cook until thickened
Toss Pasta & Serve	2 min	Mix pasta, sprinkle basil & cheese
Total Time	30 min	Quick, flavorful one-pan meal

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

• Freshly grated Parmesan
• Torn basil leaves
• Crusty bread or garlic knots
• Light side salad to balance richness

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Marry Me Pasta: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes and spicy Italian sausage.
2. Veggie-Loaded Version: Add mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers.
3. Cheesy Marry Me Pasta: Stir in ½ cup mozzarella or fontina for extra cheesiness.
4. Seafood Twist: Substitute sausage with shrimp for a seafood pasta variation.

Ingredient Spotlight: Italian Sausage

Italian sausage is the star of this dish. Its mix of herbs, spices, and fat gives the sauce its signature depth.

Tips for choosing:

• Mild or hot based on spice preference
• Look for quality sausages with natural casings for best flavor

Storage:
Keep raw sausage in the fridge and use within 1–2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Browning the sausage thoroughly adds flavor to the entire sauce.
• Reduce the wine completely for concentrated flavor without excess liquid.
• Use a cornstarch slurry for smooth, silky sauce—no lumps.
• Fresh basil added at the end maintains color and flavor.
• Toss pasta in sauce while hot to ensure even coating.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigeration: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently. Add a splash of cream or pasta water to restore sauce consistency.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	741 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbohydrates	53 g
Fat	47 g
Saturated Fat	23 g
Cholesterol	126 mg
Sodium	635 mg
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	8 g

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy and meat. Gluten-free version possible with gluten-free pasta.

Expanded Conclusion

This Marry Me Italian Sausage Pasta is the ultimate combination of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. Rich, creamy, and bursting with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s a dish that impresses without stress. From weeknight dinners to special date nights at home, it brings joy and satisfaction to the table.

Making it from scratch elevates the flavors far beyond the original concept, and with everyday ingredients, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this pasta will become a favorite recipe that everyone asks for again and again.

Serve it warm, sprinkle with fresh basil and Parmesan, and enjoy every creamy, savory bite.

Print