This Sausage Pasta is a classic, hearty dish that combines the bold, savory flavor of Italian sausage with a rich, tomato-based sauce. The dish is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of tender pasta and flavorful sausage is elevated by aromatic garlic, onions, and a blend of Italian herbs, creating a comforting meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting, filling pasta meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sausage:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Remove the sausage from its casing (if using links) and crumble it into the pan. Cook, breaking it into small pieces, until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes.
- Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Make the sauce:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and tomato paste, then add the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of spice.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the sausage and cream:
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream at this stage. For a cheesier version, add grated Parmesan.
- Let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend all the flavors.
- Combine with pasta:
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sausage and tomato sauce until the pasta is well coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
- Garnish and serve:
- Serve the sausage pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or basil.
- Optional: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Tricks:
- Sausage Variety: You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your preference. Chicken or turkey sausage can also be a leaner option.
- Tomato Alternatives: If fresh tomatoes are in season, use them instead of canned tomatoes for a fresher taste.
- Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, consider tossing in some sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
Cooking Tips:
- Choosing the Sausage:
- Opt for a high-quality Italian sausage, as this will be the key flavor in the dish. If you prefer a spicier kick, go for the hot variety, or stick to mild for a more balanced flavor.
- You can also substitute with chicken or turkey sausage if you’re looking for a leaner option, but be sure to add extra seasoning to maintain flavor depth.
- Cooking the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite) as it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the sauce. This ensures it doesn’t become too soft.
- Save a cup of pasta water before draining; adding a splash to the sauce later can help bind the sauce to the pasta and adjust consistency.
- Building the Flavor:
- Browning the sausage is crucial. Take time to fully cook the sausage until it’s caramelized and browned. This creates a deeper flavor for the sauce.
- When sautéing the garlic and onions, avoid burning them. Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently—this will prevent a bitter taste from developing.
- Sauce Consistency:
- If you like your sauce richer, add a splash of heavy cream or substitute with Parmesan cheese for a cheesier twist.
- If the sauce feels too thick, a little reserved pasta water can help loosen it up and integrate it smoothly with the pasta.
- Enhancing the Dish:
- Add a handful of fresh baby spinach or diced bell peppers for more texture and nutrition.
- For a burst of freshness, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Offer creative serving suggestions to make your website post more dynamic. It helps readers envision the full meal and elevates the experience beyond just the recipe.
- Serve this Sausage and Penne Pasta Bake with a crisp side salad drizzled in balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic bread is always a favorite pairing with baked pasta dishes. The crispy, buttery bread complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- If you’re hosting, consider a light Italian dessert like tiramisu or panna cotta to finish the meal on a sweet note.
Wine Pairing
Including a wine pairing adds a sophisticated touch to your post, appealing to readers who love to entertain or enjoy a well-rounded meal.
Red Wine Option: A classic Italian Chianti works wonderfully with this dish. Its bright acidity cuts through the creaminess of the sauce, while its fruity notes complement the sausage.
White Wine Option: If you prefer white wine, a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would pair nicely, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty flavors.
Customizing the Recipe
- Make It Spicier: If you love heat, use spicy Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: You can easily turn this dish vegetarian by swapping the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative.
- Lighter Version: For a lighter option, use whole-wheat pasta and substitute heavy cream with a mixture of low-fat milk and Greek yogurt.
Conclusion:
This sausage pasta recipe strikes a perfect balance between savory and comforting flavors. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that comes together quickly yet feels indulgent, with the richness of the sausage and a well-seasoned tomato sauce. You can tailor it by adjusting the spice levels or adding a creamy touch for extra depth. Whether you enjoy it as-is or tweak it to suit your taste, this dish is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.