This Fettuccine Alfredo is creamy and rich, made with buttery sauce and paired with tasty chicken sausage. It’s a wonderful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
When I make this, I can’t resist twirling the pasta on my fork—it’s just too fun! 😄 Plus, the chicken sausage gives it a nice twist. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fettuccine Pasta: Fettuccine provides a perfect base for the creamy sauce. If you don’t have it, you can use other wide pasta like tagliatelle or pappardelle, or even gluten-free pasta for a lighter option.
Chicken Sausage: I love using chicken sausage for a healthier twist, but any cooked sausage will do. You could substitute with turkey sausage or, for a vegetarian option, try tofu or veggie sausage instead.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich texture. For a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream like coconut or cashew cream, though this will alter the flavor slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan yields the best flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can work well as a substitute. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option too!
What’s the Best Way to Make a Creamy Alfredo Sauce?
The Alfredo sauce is all about achieving that creamy, smooth texture. It’s essential to keep an eye on the heat and blend the ingredients carefully.
- Start by melting the butter over medium heat, careful not to let it brown.
- When you add the garlic, sauté just until it’s fragrant; don’t let it burn or it will taste bitter.
- Once you pour in the heavy cream, bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan gradually, which helps it melt evenly into the sauce. This keeps the sauce silky smooth.
- If the sauce gets too thick, use the reserved pasta water sparingly. The starchy water helps to thicken and boost flavor without clumping.
- Finally, when mixing in the fettuccine, be gentle. You want to coat the pasta without breaking it apart.
How to Make Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Sausage:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 chicken sausages, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional Parmesan cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken Sausage takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that you can whip up any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, but make sure to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water for later. This will help to adjust the sauce’s thickness if needed.
2. Sautéing the Chicken Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re nicely browned and heated through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside while you make the sauce.
3. Preparing the Alfredo Sauce:
Now, in the same skillet where you cooked the sausages, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. If it feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it’s just the right consistency.
4. Combining Everything:
Finally, add your cooked fettuccine and the chicken sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently to ensure that the fettuccine is well-coated in the creamy sauce. Season it with salt and pepper according to your taste.
5. Serving the Dish:
Serve your Fettuccine Alfredo immediately! Garnish each plate with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy this creamy, delicious pasta dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream, although the sauce will be less rich. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute. Keep in mind that this could alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, then warm it gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Feel free to add your favorite veggies, such as spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Just sauté them in the skillet with the chicken sausage until tender before proceeding with the rest of the recipe. This will add great flavor and extra nutrients to your meal!
