Sausage Asparagus Pasta

This sausage asparagus pasta is a true weeknight wonder! Bursting with fresh flavors and succulent, hearty sausage, this cozy pasta dish is super simple to whip up but tastes like a gourmet feast!

There's something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy, savory pasta, and this sausage asparagus pasta is perfect for those days when you need a pick-me-up but still want to get your five-a-day.

The tender pasta, creamy sauce, yummy sausage and fresh veggies combine to create a soul-warming and satisfying dish.

Why you'll love this sausage asparagus pasta

• Fuss-free yet delicious - This pasta recipe proves that remarkable flavors can come from simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
• Easy to make your own - Feel free to experiment with various veggies and different types of sausages to make this pasta dish truly yours.
• Comfort food with a healthy twist - The lean chicken sausage and the mix of asparagus and peas in a creamy sauce will give you a bowl of more nutritious comfort food.

Ingredients and substitutions

Asparagus - This veggie adds a unique, fresh flavor to this pasta dish. Make sure you trim the woody ends before cutting the asparagus into bite-sized pieces.

If you're not a fan of asparagus or don't have it on hand, you could use broccoli, green beans, or zucchini instead.

Chicken sausage - I chose to make this asparagus pasta with chicken sausage for a lean protein option.

If you like, you can experiment with other types of sausages, including veggie sausages.

Leek - Leeks provide a delicate, onion-like flavor that adds depth to the dish. Remember, only use the white and light green parts and rinse well to remove any sand or grit.

Garlic - Fresh garlic is perfect for infusing the pasta dish with aromatic flavor. You can chop it finely or mince it - feel free to add as much as you like.

Red chili flakes - These give the pasta a bit of a kick. You can easily omit them if you're not a fan.

Peas - Peas add color, extra vitamins and a touch of sweetness to this pasta dish. Both fresh and frozen peas work well here.

Cream cheese gives the sauce its velvety smoothness - I used Philadelphia, but you can use your favorite.

Other options are half-and-half, heavy cream, or even a plant-based cream.

Parmesan - No creamy pasta dish is complete without a touch of Parmesan.

It's always best to grate your own for the best flavor, but shop-bought grated Parmesan also works.

Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are other good choices here.

Pasta - I made this pasta dish with orecchiette but feel free to use any short pasta you like, such as farfalle, penne, or fusilli.

How to make pasta with sausage and asparagus

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it generously and cook the pasta al dente according to the instructions on the package.

When there are just 2-3 minutes left, add the asparagus to the pot of boiling pasta. Drain the pasta and asparagus, reserving about 1-2 cups of the cooking water.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan and cook the chicken sausage over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until slightly golden.

Add the leek, garlic and red chili flakes and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.

Next, stir in the peas and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Add the cream cheese and ½ cup of pasta water and stir well to combine. Add more of the reserved pasta water as needed.

Transfer the cooked pasta and asparagus to the saucepan and toss well to combine.

Stir in the grated parmesan, season to taste and serve immediately, with extra grated parmesan on top if you like.

Make it vegan

To make this pasta dish vegan, use a plant-based sausage, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free version, and use a vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast.

Don't forget to choose a pasta variety that fits your dietary needs.

Leftovers and storage

• Store any leftover pasta in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It should stay fresh and tasty for up to 4-5 days.
• When you're ready to dive back into leftovers, heat the pasta in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth as needed.

Recipe notes and tips

• Feel free to mix and match the vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand. Broccoli, bell peppers, or even some spinach could work well here.
• While this recipe calls for cream cheese, feel free to play around with other cheeses. Mascarpone or ricotta could add a nice richness, and a dollop of goat cheese could give a lovely tanginess.
• This recipe uses chicken sausage but could easily work with regular chicken, tofu, or shrimp. Make it yours!

If you liked this sausage asparagus pasta, you might also like some of my other easy pasta recipes:

• Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce (Pasta al Limone)
• Creamy Rasta Pasta Recipe
• Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
• Chicken Broccoli Pasta
• White Wine Pasta Sauce

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