Pasta Milano
Creamy sausage and sun dried tomato pasta that feels fancy but comes together on weeknights
Pasta Milano smells like a cozy Italian kitchen the moment it hits the stove, with sweet sausage, garlic, and a whisper of sun dried tomato waking up your appetite, the sauce glides silky and rich over each strand of pasta.
This is the kind of dish you make when you want something comforting yet impressive without spending all evening in the kitchen, perfect for date night or turning an ordinary Tuesday into a little celebration.
I first tested this after a long day and was shocked at how quickly the pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients transformed into a restaurant worthy bowl that felt totally mine.
Recipe at a Glance
Ingredients
Sauce and sausage
Pasta and finish
Substitutions & Variations
Step-by-Step Instructions
Brown the sausage
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, until no pink remains and it is deeply browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
Sauté aromatics
Add chopped onion to the same skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Sprinkle in flour
Sprinkle the all purpose flour over the onions and garlic, stir well to coat and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. This light roux helps thicken the sauce as the liquid joins in.
Deglaze and simmer
Pour in the diced tomatoes, chopped sun dried tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, then let the mixture bubble gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it begins to thicken.
Add cream and cheese
Reduce the heat to low, pour in the heavy cream, and stir until smooth. Return the cooked sausage to the pan, then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce turns glossy and coats the back of a spoon.
Cook the pasta
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed, until every strand is lightly coated in the creamy sauce and flavors have melded.
Bake with cheese
Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, scatter shredded mozzarella on top, and broil for 2 to 4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
Finish and serve
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, give it a gentle toss, and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt or pepper if needed.
Rest briefly
Let the pasta rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly and the slices hold their shape.
Pro Baker Tips
Storage & Serving Notes
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy pasta in shallow bowls to highlight the glossy sauce and melted cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Go Make It!
If you try Pasta Milano, let me know how creamy, cheesy, and satisfying it feels on weeknights, it is one of those recipes that turns simple ingredients into a cozy dinner you will want to make again and again.