Weeknights don’t wait, and neither should dinner. When time is tight but flavor still matters, this 20 Minute Creamy Garlic Sausage Pasta delivers every single time. With rich cream, tender ground chicken, hearty pasta, and a hit of garlic, it’s everything you love about comfort food—without the long cook time or complicated steps. This is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to over and over again, not just because it’s quick, but because it’s deeply satisfying.
With just one pan, a pot of pasta, and a few fridge staples, this creamy garlic sausage pasta checks every box: filling, balanced, and totally indulgent. Even better? It’s a hit with picky eaters and busy adults alike. Keep reading for exactly how to get it on the table in under half an hour.
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20 Minute Creamy Garlic Sausage Pasta That’s Fast, Flavorful, and Filling
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
This 20 Minute Creamy Garlic Sausage Pasta is a fast, comforting, one-skillet dinner made with ground chicken, fresh spinach, Parmesan, and a rich garlic cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 pound penne pasta
1 pound ground chicken
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup butter
5 ounces fresh spinach
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional: crushed red pepper for serving
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked and lightly browned.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Carefully blot any excess grease from the pan if needed.
4. Reduce the heat to low. Add the butter and heavy cream, stirring until the butter is completely melted. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Add the spinach and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring, until wilted.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is well coated. Serve immediately, with crushed red pepper if desired.
Notes
For a flavor boost, try adding crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms. This dish also works well with rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni instead of penne.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This 20 Minute Creamy Garlic Sausage Pasta
There’s a reason this dish has earned its spot in so many family meal rotations. For starters, it’s that rare combination of ultra-comforting and surprisingly simple. You’re working with ingredients you probably already have—garlic, pasta, cream, butter—and yet the end result feels like something you’d get at a cozy neighborhood bistro.
It’s also ideal for weeknights when cooking feels like a chore. There’s no slicing and dicing a long list of vegetables, no standing over a hot stove for hours. Just quick prep, fast cooking, and a bowl full of bold, creamy flavor.
What truly makes this pasta special is how it satisfies on multiple levels. The garlic brings warmth and depth, the Parmesan adds sharpness, and the spinach cuts through the richness with fresh, earthy notes. It’s hearty without being heavy—just the right kind of full.
Ingredients That Make This Garlic Sausage Pasta Unforgettable
The backbone of this recipe is ground chicken. It’s lighter than pork sausage but still brings plenty of savoriness and texture to the dish. Browning it properly gives you that irresistible caramelized flavor that sets the stage for everything else.
Garlic is the heart of this pasta. Cooked just until fragrant, it releases its natural oils and infuses the cream and butter with a richness that’s comforting but not overwhelming. That base of butter and cream forms a silky, indulgent sauce that hugs every piece of penne.
And then there’s the Parmesan cheese. Don’t skip it or sub it with something pre-shredded. Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding body and saltiness. Stir in the spinach last, just until it wilts, and you’ve got a pasta dish that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy, with none of the effort.
How to Make 20 Minute Creamy Garlic Sausage Pasta
It all starts with getting your pasta water boiling early. Salt it generously—this is your first layer of flavor. As the penne cooks, brown the ground chicken in a large skillet. You want golden bits and cooked-through crumbles. This isn’t the time to skimp on heat; that caramelization adds loads of flavor.
Once the chicken is done, in goes the garlic. A quick sauté—just 30 seconds—is all it takes to wake it up. Reduce the heat and stir in the butter and heavy cream, letting it gently bubble into a smooth, glossy sauce. You’re not rushing here; you’re coaxing out richness.
When the spinach hits the pan, it wilts almost instantly, melting into the cream. Parmesan is the final flourish—it thickens the sauce and ties all the flavors together. Drain your pasta, toss it straight into the skillet, and coat every noodle in that garlicky, creamy goodness.
Serve it hot, and if you like a bit of heat, finish with crushed red pepper for contrast.
Pro Tips to Elevate Your Creamy Garlic Sausage Pasta
If you don’t have penne on hand, try rotini, fusilli, or farfalle. The key is a shape that can catch the sauce. Tubular or twisted pasta is perfect for soaking up that creamy garlic richness.
Want to take it a step further? Stir in crispy bacon bits or thin-sliced mushrooms during the sauté stage for a boost of umami. Or sprinkle in sun-dried tomatoes right before serving for a tangy-sweet pop that balances the cream.
Leftovers are just as delicious—but only if reheated right. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently over the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. Avoid microwaving it dry; this pasta deserves better.
Make It a Meal: What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Sausage Pasta
This dish stands strong on its own, but a crisp side salad can brighten it up beautifully. Think arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar to echo the Parmesan in the pasta.
Crusty bread is a natural companion—ideal for mopping up that silky sauce. Try garlic bread, herbed focaccia, or even a simple warm baguette to round out the plate.
For drinks, keep it simple and refreshing. A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio cuts through the creaminess, while sparkling water with lemon keeps things light. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a treat but fits right into your regular weeknight rotation.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If this creamy pasta is your kind of comfort food, don’t stop here. Try this creamy mushroom chicken skillet for a richer, mushroom-forward take on skillet dinners. It’s equally easy and packed with savory goodness.
For those who like a little spice with their comfort, this one-pot spicy chicken rice offers a bold kick in a single pan. You get the same ease with an entirely different flavor profile.
Curious about variations? A trio of sausages pasta recipe brings together spicy, sweet, and smoky links in one dish. Just swap in your favorite sausage varieties and follow the same creamy garlic base—you’ll end up with a whole new flavor twist.
FAQs About Creamy Garlic Sausage Pasta
Can I make this a trio of sausages pasta recipe?
Absolutely. You can easily substitute the ground chicken with a combination of spicy Italian sausage, sweet pork sausage, and smoked kielbasa. Brown them together and follow the rest of the recipe exactly as written for a flavorful trio twist.
What’s the difference between this and creamy garlic sausage and bacon pasta?
This version uses ground chicken as the protein, focusing on a lighter but still rich base. Adding bacon would deepen the flavor with a smoky, salty note, making it heavier. You can combine both for an extra-indulgent version if you prefer.
Can I make this with pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, just slice the sausage into rounds and brown them briefly in the skillet before adding garlic and continuing with the sauce. It cuts down even more time while still keeping plenty of flavor in the dish.
How do I keep the sauce from separating when reheating?
Low and slow is the key. Reheat on the stove with a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to help re-emulsify the sauce. Avoid high heat or microwaving for too long, which can cause the cream to split.
Final Thoughts: Why This 20 Minute Creamy Garlic Sausage Pasta Belongs in Your Rotation
There’s something unbeatable about a dinner that looks and tastes luxurious but takes less than half an hour to pull off. This 20 Minute Creamy Garlic Sausage Pasta is just that—effortless, elegant, and endlessly versatile.
It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make when guests show up unexpectedly, or when you’re too tired to think but still want something that feels home-cooked and thoughtful. With just a few pantry staples and a simple technique, you’ve got a meal that’s warm, satisfying, and ready to be devoured.
And the best part? It’s flexible. From adjusting proteins to tossing in extra veggies, this dish welcomes improvisation while never skimping on flavor. Add it to your regular dinner lineup—you won’t regret it.
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