Creamy Sausage Bolognese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Pasta

When it comes to comfort food classics, few dishes compete with a hearty, rich, and velvety Creamy Sausage Bolognese. This indulgent pasta dish blends the robust, meaty depth of traditional Bolognese with the luxurious creaminess of heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan. It’s the kind of meal that instantly brings warmth to your table and smiles to your guests.

Perfect for a cozy family dinner, a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights, or even a show-stopping dish for entertaining, this Creamy Sausage Bolognese is as versatile as it is delicious. With both sweet and spicy Italian sausage, aromatic vegetables, bold seasonings, and a splash of red wine, every bite bursts with savory depth and velvety texture.

Who This Recipe Is For

This recipe is ideal for:

• Home cooks looking to level up their pasta game.

• Families who want a hearty, nutritious one-pot meal.

• Fans of Italian-American comfort food.

• Entertainers searching for an elegant but cozy dinner idea.

• Anyone who loves a pasta sauce that clings to every piece of penne.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Bolognese

Unlike traditional Bolognese, which often relies solely on ground beef, this version introduces Italian sausage for an extra layer of flavor and complexity. The combination of sweet and hot sausage gives you a savory richness with just a hint of heat. Plus, a generous pour of heavy cream and parmesan cheese makes the sauce velvety and smooth — the perfect contrast to the toothsome pasta.

Whether you simmer it for just 30 minutes or let it bubble away for up to 3 hours for even more depth, this sauce never fails to deliver.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Servings: 8

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 carrots, finely diced

• 2 stalks celery, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 Italian sausages, casings removed (1 sweet, 1 hot)

• 1 pound (500 grams) ground sirloin

• Salt, to taste

• Pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• ½ cup red wine

• 1 (28-ounce/800 grams) can crushed tomatoes

• 16 ounces (500 milliliters) beef broth

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 pound (500 grams) penne, cooked to box instructions

Garnish: Parmesan shavings

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this dish, you’ll need the following:

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven

• Sharp knife and cutting board

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Cheese grater

• Colander

• Large pot for boiling pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start with the Sofrito

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and aromatic.

2. Brown the Meat

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes. Then add the ground sirloin and both types of Italian sausage (casings removed). Season with salt and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks, until there’s no pink left.

3. Add the Flavor Base

Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red wine. Let the mixture simmer until the wine has mostly evaporated — this concentrates the flavor and removes the alcohol bite.

4. Build the Sauce

Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and bay leaves. Stir well, making sure everything is fully incorporated. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, simmer for up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

5. Finish with Cream and Cheese

Once the sauce has thickened and flavors have developed, stir in the grated parmesan and heavy cream. The sauce will become rich, smooth, and deeply flavorful.

6. Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked penne directly into the sauce, stirring to coat every piece. Let the pasta sit in the sauce for a couple of minutes to absorb some of the flavor.

7. Serve and Garnish

Serve hot, topped with extra parmesan shavings and a glass of red wine if desired.

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Don’t rush the sofrito. The longer you cook the onion, carrot, and celery, the sweeter and richer the flavor becomes.

• Use good-quality wine. If it’s not good enough to drink, it’s not good enough to cook with.

• Make it spicy. Add crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bolder heat.

• Make it gluten-free. Swap the penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta.

• Swap the meat. Use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.

• Vegetarian version. Omit the meat entirely and substitute with finely diced mushrooms and lentils for a hearty meatless version.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze in individual portions in freezer-safe containers or zip bags for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm gently over low heat on the stovetop or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.

Perfect Pairings

Wine Pairing:

• Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Zinfandel complement the bold flavors of the sausage and tomato base.

Side Dishes:

• Garlic bread or focaccia for dipping.

• A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness.

• Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this Bolognese sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavor improves the next day. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Penne is classic, but rigatoni, fusilli, or even tagliatelle work beautifully.

Is the wine essential?

The wine adds depth and complexity, but you can substitute with beef broth if you prefer not to use alcohol.

What’s the best way to remove sausage from its casing?

Simply slice lengthwise with a sharp knife and peel away the casing. Discard the casing and crumble the sausage directly into the pan.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, but it will lose the creaminess. Use a dairy-free cream alternative and skip the cheese, or use vegan parmesan.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sausage Bolognese is a rich, satisfying meal that will earn its place in your weekly rotation. It brings together the hearty flavors of classic Italian cuisine with the indulgence of creamy comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing dinner guests, it’s a foolproof crowd-pleaser.