Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Hearty – The rich flavors of sausage meatballs, mushrooms, and creamy sauce will warm you up from the inside out.
Crunchy and Crispy Textures – The crispy sage and toasted walnuts add a delightful crunch to the dish.
Quick and Easy – This dish comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Flavorful and Nutritious – Packed with earthy mushrooms, protein-rich sausage, and heart-healthy walnuts, it’s both flavorful and nourishing.

Ingredients

For the Sausage Meatballs:

8 oz. sweet Italian sausage
Extra virgin olive oil

For the Pasta:

8 oz. dried short-cut pasta (such as farfalle or rigatoni)
1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
2 tablespoons butter
1 lb mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, oyster, or chanterelles)
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
3 cloves garlic, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup half and half or heavy cream
1/2 cup toasted walnuts
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Shaved parmesan or romano cheese for topping

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Form and Cook Sausage Meatballs

Form Meatballs: Remove the sausage from its casing and shape it into small meatballs.
Cook Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs until they are browned, crisp, and fully cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook Pasta and Sage

Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta until it’s just underdone (al dente). Drain, reserving some pasta water for later.
Crisp Sage: In the same skillet, heat a little olive oil and fry the fresh sage leaves until crispy. Set aside.

Step 3: Caramelize Mushrooms

Sauté Mushrooms: Add butter to the skillet, and then sauté the mushrooms with thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until the mushrooms are caramelized and tender, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

Add Cream: To the skillet with mushrooms, pour in the half and half (or heavy cream). Stir to combine.
Combine Ingredients: Add the pasta, cooked meatballs, and fresh parsley to the skillet. Toss everything together and adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water.
Serve: Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl. Top with crispy sage leaves, toasted walnuts, and a sprinkle of parmesan or romano cheese.

Servings and Timing

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage meatballs and use vegetarian sausage or a mix of beans and vegetables for the filling protein.
Spicy Twist: Add some red pepper flakes to the sausage meatballs or the mushroom mixture for a little heat.
Different Nuts: Swap out walnuts for toasted pine nuts or pecans for a different crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm in the microwave or heat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I make the sausage meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sausage meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat them when you’re ready to use them.

2. Can I use different types of mushrooms?

Absolutely! You can use a mix of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, or even button mushrooms, depending on what you have available.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and ensure the sausage is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

4. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Feel free to add spinach, kale, or roasted red peppers for extra veggies. You can even toss in some peas for added color and sweetness.

5. How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil, use a non-dairy cream, and opt for dairy-free cheese for topping.

Conclusion

Winter Pasta with Mushrooms, Sausage Meatballs, Walnuts & Crispy Sage is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly nights. The combination of savory sausage meatballs, caramelized mushrooms, and crispy sage with creamy pasta is simply irresistible. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and sure to become a wintertime favorite!