When I think of quick, comforting meals, pasta always comes to mind. One of my favorites is Sausage Carbonara. It’s a dish I started making when my kids were little because it’s so easy to throw together, yet it feels special. The creamy sauce, savory sausage, and tender pasta make it a hit with everyone at the table. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it even simpler, and now it’s a regular in our dinner rotation. If you’re looking for a meal that’s both easy and delicious, this Sausage Carbonara is the answer. Let me show you how to make it it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to.
| Servings | Total |
| 6 | 30mins |
History of Sausage Carbonara Pasta
Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish that originated in Rome. Traditionally, it’s made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper. This version swaps pancetta for sausage, adding a heartier, smoky flavor. It’s a modern twist on the classic, making it more accessible and just as satisfying.
Why Sausage Carbonara Pasta?
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and is incredibly versatile. The creamy sauce and savory sausage make it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite add-ins.
What is Sausage Carbonara Pasta Made Of?
The dish is made with spaghetti (or your favorite pasta), Italian sausage, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a little pasta water to create the creamy sauce. It’s a simple combination of ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful meal.
What to Have with Sausage Carbonara Pasta
This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:
- A side of garlic bread or crusty bread
- A simple green salad
- Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables
Is Sausage Carbonara Pasta Healthy?
It’s a rich and indulgent dish, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. To make it healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta, turkey sausage, and reduce the amount of cheese. Adding veggies like peas or spinach can also boost the nutritional value.
Kitchen Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to coat the pasta evenly. The residual heat will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce. Add a little pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine to the sausage while cooking.
- Make sure to remove the skillet from the heat before adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Fettuccine, penne, or linguine work well in this recipe.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of pasta water to revive the sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
It depends on the sausage you use. Mild Italian sausage will keep it mild, while spicy sausage will add heat.
Conclusion
This Easy Sausage Carbonara Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try—it might just become your new go-to pasta dish!
MORE RECIPES
Easy Sausage Carbonara Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to coat the pasta evenly. The residual heat will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce. Add a little pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.