Creamy Princess Sausage Pasta is a rich and savory dish that brings together penne pasta, succulent princess sausage, and sweet cherry tomatoes in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. The addition of black olives adds a briny contrast, while fresh herbs round out the flavors, creating a balanced and hearty meal perfect for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the definition of comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with satisfying textures and flavors. The princess sausage offers a delicate and savory profile that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the depth of black olives. It’s a quick, easy-to-make recipe that looks elegant and tastes indulgent, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 princess sausages, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced princess sausages and sauté until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the creamy sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and black olives. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for extra heat.
- Cheese Blend: Mix in mozzarella or Pecorino Romano for a richer cheese profile.
- Vegetable Boost: Incorporate spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Pasta Substitutes: Swap penne for rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle for a fun variation in texture.
- Wine Finish: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the cream for added depth.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may separate the sauce or overcook the pasta.
FAQs
What is princess sausage?
Princess sausage is a delicately seasoned, often lightly smoked sausage that pairs well with creamy or tomato-based sauces. If unavailable, substitute with mild Italian or chicken sausage.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, prepare the pasta and sauce fresh, and store the components separately to avoid sogginess.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
It’s not recommended to freeze cream-based sauces, as they may separate when thawed and reheated.
Can I use a different type of cream?
Yes, half-and-half or a mix of cream and milk can be used for a lighter version, though the sauce may be thinner.
How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Simmer the sauce gently and avoid high heat after adding the cheese to keep it smooth and cohesive.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy and savory elements well.
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes?
Yes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes add a more intense sweetness and a chewier texture.
Are the olives necessary?
No, but they add a nice briny contrast. You can omit or substitute with capers for a different flavor.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make excellent side options.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, omit the sausage or use a vegetarian sausage alternative. Increase the amount of vegetables for a heartier meatless meal.
Conclusion
Creamy Princess Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that brings elegance and comfort together in one bowl. With its creamy Parmesan sauce, juicy tomatoes, savory sausage, and aromatic herbs, it’s a meal that satisfies both on busy weeknights and special occasions. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
PrintCreamy Princess Sausage Pasta
A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring penne pasta, savory princess sausage, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a hint of black olives, all combined in a luscious creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 princess sausages, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced princess sausages and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing to coat with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped black olives, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor.
Notes
- Princess sausage can be substituted with chicken or turkey sausage if preferred.
- For added flavor, sprinkle with extra Parmesan before serving.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg