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If you love rich, comforting pasta dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Sausage Gemelli Pasta Recipe is something you absolutely need to try. Featuring tender gemelli pasta tossed in a luscious, savory cream sauce loaded with aromatic Italian sausage, mushrooms, and just the right hint of white wine, this dish delivers layers of flavor and texture that will keep you coming back for more. It’s a perfect centerpiece for any cozy dinner, impressively simple yet deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Sausage Gemelli Pasta Recipe works together like a dream to build a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort. From the hearty sausage to the delicate herbs, each component adds its own magic to the final plate.
- 1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage: The star protein that brings a savory, spiced depth to the sauce.
- 2 small shallots, finely diced: Add a subtle sweetness and aromatic base for building flavor.
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms: Provide earthiness and a meaty texture that blends perfectly with the sausage.
- 1 ½ cups dry white wine: Adds acidity and brightens the richness of the cream.
- 1 bay leaf: Imparts a gentle herbal complexity during the wine reduction.
- 12 ounces dry gemelli pasta: The bouncy, twisted shape holds sauce beautifully for each bite.
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Lends a subtle lemony, earthy flavor that freshens the dish.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just a touch of heat to balance the richness.
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional): Enhances warmth and depth with a faintly sweet spice note.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Finishes the dish with salty, nutty flavor and a lovely topping.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Gemelli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics
Warm up your dutch oven over medium heat and add the bulk Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Brown it gently but don’t rush to finish cooking it completely yet. Adding the shallots and mushrooms at this point allows their flavors to soften and meld, creating a rich base as the sausage finishes cooking through.
Step 2: Deglaze with Wine and Simmer
Pour in the dry white wine along with the bay leaf to the pan. This step is where the magic really starts—scraping those browned bits from the bottom adds layers of flavor. Let the liquid reduce by half over 15-20 minutes; this concentration of wine will bring brightness and cut through the cream’s richness later.
Step 3: Prepare the Gemelli Pasta
While your wine is reducing, cook the gemelli pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Don’t forget to scoop out about a third of a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining—this starchy liquid is a secret helper to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce and Combine
Stir the heavy cream, fresh thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, and that optional pinch of nutmeg into the sausage and wine mixture. Cook it gently for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes velvety. Then add the gemelli pasta, stirring well to coat every twist and turn. If the sauce feels a bit too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a spoonful at a time, until it reaches your perfect creamy consistency.
Step 5: Serve with Cheese and Extra Heat
Plate your masterpiece and generously sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Offer extra crushed red pepper flakes at the table for anyone who loves a bit more kick. This final assembly truly makes the Creamy Sausage Gemelli Pasta Recipe sing with flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Gemelli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or extra Parmesan take your presentation to the next level while adding freshness and umami. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a crack of black pepper can also brighten the flavors right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with crisp, garlicky green beans or a bright arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the creamy pasta. Warm, crusty bread or garlic focaccia also shines alongside, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the creamy sausage gemelli pasta in individual small cast-iron skillets or rustic bowls. Topping each portion with a sprig of thyme or a shaved Parmesan crisp can make family dinners or casual dinner parties feel extra special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Creamy Sausage Gemelli Pasta Recipe cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored properly in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
Although best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by tightly wrapping portions or placing them in freezer-safe containers. For best texture, try to consume frozen portions within 1 month. Note that the cream sauce may change slightly when thawed but will still taste wonderful.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring back the creamy texture. Microwaving in short bursts also works well, just stirring in between to heat evenly and avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?
Absolutely! Using spicy Italian sausage will add a nice kick and deepen the flavor profile. Just be mindful of the crushed red pepper flakes you add so the heat doesn’t become overwhelming.
What can I substitute for gemelli pasta?
You can replace gemelli with any medium-shaped pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. The key is to pick a pasta shape that will hold the creamy sauce well and give you plenty of texture.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the white wine?
If you prefer to skip the wine, use low-sodium chicken broth or a mixture of broth and a little lemon juice. This will maintain acidity and depth without the alcohol.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for a full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and choose dairy-free Parmesan alternatives or nutritional yeast to keep the creamy feel and cheesy flavor without dairy.
How can I make this recipe ahead for a dinner party?
Cook the sauce and pasta separately ahead of time and store them chilled. Reheat gently and combine just before serving to keep the pasta from overcooking and maintain that perfect creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sausage Gemelli Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat yet comes together with simple ingredients without fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it promises indulgence, comfort, and happiness in every spoonful. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and discover all the ways this creamy, savory pasta can brighten your dinner table.
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Creamy Sausage Gemelli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Sausage Gemelli Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring savory mild Italian sausage, tender mushrooms, and shallots simmered with white wine and heavy cream. Tossed with gemelli pasta and brightened by fresh thyme and a pinch of crushed red pepper, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound bulk mild Italian Sausage
- 2 small shallots, finely diced
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
Liquid and Seasonings
- 1 ½ cups dry white wine
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for serving
- Pinch nutmeg (optional)
Pasta
- 12 ounces dry gemelli pasta (or any medium shape pasta)
Finishing
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Sausage and Vegetables: Heat a dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bulk mild Italian sausage and cook until it is lightly browned but not fully cooked, stirring to crumble the meat evenly. Then add the finely diced shallots and sliced mushrooms, continuing to cook until the shallots and mushrooms are soft and the sausage is fully cooked through.
- Reduce Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and add the bay leaf to the sausage mixture. Simmer over medium heat until the wine liquid is reduced by half, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. This concentrates the flavors and melds the ingredients.
- Cook Pasta: While the wine is reducing, prepare the gemelli pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to reserve about â…“ cup of the pasta cooking liquid before draining. Set the cooked pasta aside.
- Make Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, fresh thyme leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, and optional pinch of nutmeg into the reduced wine and sausage mixture. Continue to cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy and luscious.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked gemelli pasta to the creamy sausage sauce. Stir well to combine and heat through. If the sauce appears too thick or dry, gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water one tablespoon at a time to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Dish the creamy sausage gemelli pasta onto plates or a serving bowl. Top generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle additional crushed red pepper flakes as desired for extra heat and brightness.
Notes
- You can substitute gemelli pasta with other medium-shaped pasta like penne or fusilli if desired.
- Use mild Italian sausage for a mellow flavor or spicy sausage for added heat.
- Reserving pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency perfectly.
- Fresh thyme can be swapped with dried thyme, but reduce the quantity to about 1 teaspoon if dried.
- The pinch of nutmeg is optional but adds a warm, subtle depth to the cream sauce.
- Pair the dish with a green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
