Name: Creamy Pear and Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta; 1 lb sweet or spicy Italian sausage; 2 ripe Bosc or Anjou pears, diced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese; 2 cups fresh spinach or arugula; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Print Recipe

Imagine a bowl of creamy goodness, where sweet pears flirt with savory sausage, all nestled in a comforting pasta embrace. The aroma wafting from the kitchen is enough to make you feel like you’ve just walked into a cozy Italian bistro. Each bite is a delightful dance of flavors that leaves you craving more. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience, perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or when friends drop by unexpectedly.

I remember the first time I whipped up this Creamy Pear and Sausage Pasta for my family. Their eyes widened with curiosity, and one brave soul declared they’d never tasted anything quite like it. delicious orecchiette pasta dish With its unique blend of flavors, it quickly became a family favorite. Whether it’s date night or a cozy gathering, this dish brings everyone together around the table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This creamy pear and sausage pasta is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
The flavor profile combines sweet and savory, creating an unforgettable taste sensation
Its beautiful presentation will impress your guests and elevate any meal
Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt based on seasonal ingredients

I’ll never forget the first time I served this recipe at our family gathering. My cousin took one bite and exclaimed that he was ready to marry the dish! It’s safe to say this creamy delight won everyone over.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Pasta of Your Choice: I recommend using fettuccine or penne for their ability to hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this creamy seafood delight recipe.
Italian Sausage: Choose sweet or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference; it adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Fresh Pears: Opt for ripe but firm pears; Bosc or Anjou work best for their sweetness and texture.
Heavy Cream: This is what gives the dish its rich creaminess; don’t skimp here—it’s worth every calorie.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan to sprinkle on top; it melts perfectly into the sauce and enhances the flavor. protein-packed cottage cheese orzo.
Spinach or Arugula: Adding greens not only boosts nutrition but also adds color and freshness to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic will add an aromatic punch; sauté until fragrant for maximum effect.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil helps in sautéing the sausage and garlic perfectly.
Seasoning: Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out all those amazing flavors; taste as you go!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot while adding salt generously—think ocean salty! Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for later.

Sauté the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and then crumble in your sausage links. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. The sizzling sound will be music to your ears!

Add Garlic and Pears: Toss in minced garlic once the sausage is cooked through; let it sauté until fragrant—around 1 minute should do. Then add diced pears to the mix, allowing them to caramelize slightly for about 3-4 minutes.

Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low before pouring in heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add salt and pepper to taste. Watch as it transforms into a silky sauce that smells divine!

Combine Everything Together: Add cooked pasta straight into the skillet with your luscious sauce. If it looks too thick, use reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved. Fold in spinach or arugula gently until wilted.

Serve with Parmesan Magic!: Plate your creamy pear and sausage pasta generously topped with grated Parmesan cheese. creamy chicken alfredo alternative Optional: A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds an extra kick if you’re feeling adventurous!

Now that you’ve mastered this delightful recipe, enjoy every bite of your creamy pear and sausage pasta! It’s truly a dish made with love that will leave everyone asking for seconds—or thirds! savory turkey panini recipe.

You Must Know

This delightful creamy pear and sausage pasta combines savory and sweet flavors, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion
The aroma of sautéed sausage mingling with fresh pears will have everyone asking for seconds
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making this more often than you’d planned!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the sausage in a skillet while the pasta cooks in salted water. Once the pasta is al dente, reserve some cooking water, then toss everything together with cream and pears for a harmonious blend of flavors.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the sausage for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add spinach or kale for extra greens or sprinkle with parmesan for that cheesy goodness. Experimenting can lead to delightful surprises!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover creamy pear and sausage pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream to revive its luscious texture. For more inspiration, check out this creamy chicken marsala pasta recipe.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfectly cooked pasta, always salt your boiling water generously; it should taste like the sea
When mixing ingredients, don’t hesitate to add some reserved pasta water to achieve the desired creaminess without losing flavor
Always taste before serving; adjustments can make all the difference!

My first attempt at making creamy pear and sausage pasta was met with disbelief from my family, who thought I had lost my culinary mind. But one bite later, they were hooked!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use different kinds of sausage in creamy pear and sausage pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any variety of sausage you prefer, such as spicy Italian or chicken sausage. Each type will bring its unique flavor profile to this dish.

What kind of pears work best for this recipe?

Bartlett pears are ideal due to their sweetness and softness when cooked. However, feel free to experiment with firm varieties like Bosc for added texture.

Can I make creamy pear and sausage pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just remember that reheating may change the texture slightly, so consider adding a bit more cream when warming it up.