If you’re yearning for something cozy, flavorful, and lightning-fast, Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners is about to become your go-to recipe on those busy evenings. Imagine tender noodles tossed in a creamy pesto sauce, generously dotted with savory sausage, all finished with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and a flurry of Parmesan. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing meal that transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort, and you’ll have it on the table in about half an hour. Trust me, your weeknight dinner routine is about to get a lot more exciting!

Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredient list — just a handful of essentials, each bringing something special. From spicy, robust sausage to fragrant garlic and fresh basil, every element plays a role in nailing that craveable taste, creamy texture, and pop of color in this Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners.

Pasta (12 oz penne or rigatoni): These short shapes cling beautifully to the luscious sauce and sausage.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A glug in the pan brings out flavors and keeps everything from sticking.
Italian sausage (1 lb, casings removed): The backbone of the dish, giving it hearty flavor and protein.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Sautéed garlic infuses fragrant depth into each bite.
Onion (1/2 cup, diced): Adds sweetness and pairs well with the sausage and pesto.
Sun-dried tomatoes (1/2 cup, optional): Chewy, tangy, and vibrant; totally worth adding if you have them!
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Helps blend the sauce and keeps things silky and flavorful.
Pesto sauce (1/2 cup, store-bought or homemade): Basil-packed, nutty, and bursting with Italian personality.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes the sauce luxuriously rich and balances the herby pesto.
Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Salty, nutty, and a classic Italian finish.
Salt and pepper to taste: Fine-tune the flavors right at the end so it’s just right for you.
Fresh basil for garnish (optional): A few leaves add color and a final burst of herbal freshness.

How to Make Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add your penne or rigatoni and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside — but don’t forget to reserve a splash of that starchy pasta water just in case you need it to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Sauté until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, filling your kitchen with all kinds of mouthwatering aromas.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Next, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, letting them soften and release all that sweet, savory fragrance. If you’re using sun-dried tomatoes, now’s the time to stir those in too for a little extra wow.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it all simmer together for about 2 minutes, which helps blend and deepen the flavors — watch as the sausage mixture starts looking irresistibly saucy.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Pesto

Turn the heat down to low, swirl in the pesto and heavy cream, and let the sauce gently bubble for another 2 or 3 minutes. It will turn creamy, aromatic, and the perfect shade of green (thanks, pesto!).

Step 6: Toss Everything Together

Add your cooked pasta straight into the skillet, tossing so those noodles soak up every drop of sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and toss again until it’s all glossy, cheesy, and completely irresistible.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners into bowls, top with a shower of extra Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves if you like, and call everyone to the table — dinner is ready and nobody will want to be late!

How to Serve Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners

Garnishes

A scattering of fresh basil or even extra sun-dried tomatoes brings both color and lively flavor to the finished dish. If you love a little crunch, try some toasted pine nuts or extra grated Parmesan for a final restaurant-worthy flourish.

Side Dishes

Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners is rich and filling, but it’s extra-delicious with a crisp green side salad — arugula or mixed greens with a lemony vinaigrette really cut through the creaminess. And honestly, a warm, crusty baguette or homemade garlic bread makes mopping up every bit of sauce impossible to resist!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, serve the pasta twirled into neat nests on each plate and drizzle lightly with extra pesto. For a family-style vibe, bring the skillet right to the table so everyone can help themselves. You can even top with cherry tomatoes or roasted peppers for a colorful touch on special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare at my house!), transfer the cooled pasta into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making it a terrific grab-and-go lunch or easy dinner refresh.

Freezing

Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners can be frozen, but keep in mind the cream sauce might separate a bit when reheating. Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to two months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm individual servings in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen up the sauce if it’s looking thick. Stir gently, and top with fresh basil or Parmesan for that just-made taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of sausage?

Definitely! You can swap in spicy Italian sausage for extra heat, or try turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter take — any flavorful, uncooked sausage will work beautifully in Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just use your favorite plant-based sausage or crumbled tempeh, and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You’ll still get all the flavor and comfort of Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners without the meat.

What pesto works best?

Both store-bought and homemade pesto are fantastic; just pick one with lots of fresh basil and a little cheese. For an extra-nutty twist, try an arugula or spinach-based pesto if you want to switch it up.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pasta in place of the regular kind, and double-check that all your other ingredients (pesto, sausage, broth) are gluten-free. Enjoy Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners no matter your dietary needs!

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

If the sauce thickens up more than you’d like, just add a splash of reserved pasta water, more broth, or a bit of milk or cream as you toss everything together until it’s the perfect consistency.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners enough — it’s fast, fabulously comforting, and endlessly versatile. Next time your evening feels rushed, try this recipe for a hearty, herby meal that brings everyone running to the table. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!

Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Weeknight Dinners Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish that is perfect for quick weeknight dinners. With savory Italian sausage, aromatic garlic and onions, and a rich pesto sauce, this pasta is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)

Other Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Sausage: In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the sausage until browned. Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, pesto, and cream. Simmer until heated through.
Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, toss to coat. Stir in Parmesan cheese, season, and garnish with basil.