Easy Sausage Asparagus Pasta Recipe
Sausage Asparagus Pasta is a quick 30-minute Italian-American dinner that combines savory sausage, tender-crisp asparagus, and perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy or light garlic butter sauce. It serves four people and delivers a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.Ideal for busy weeknights, this versatile dish can be customized with different pasta shapes, sausage types, and additional vegetables. It’s flavorful, comforting, and simple enough to make anytime.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta penne, rigatoni, or orecchiette
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bunch asparagus trimmed and cut into 1–2 inch pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream for creamy version
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest or 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil optional
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
- Add olive oil if the pan is dry. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Asparagus
- Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet. Cook for 3–5 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
- For creamy version: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and ¼–½ cup reserved pasta water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- For lighter garlic butter version: Add 2 tablespoons butter and ¼ cup reserved pasta water. Stir until a light glossy sauce forms.
Step 6: Combine
- Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately.