Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the robust flavors of Italian sausage with the smoothness of a creamy tomato sauce, all enveloped in the hearty embrace of paccheri pasta. The sauce clings to the pasta’s ridges and fills its hollow centers, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s a comforting, indulgent meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces paccheri pasta

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1/2 cup dry white wine

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the paccheri pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for another minute until fragrant.

4. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

5. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.

6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

7. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 5 minutes.

8. Add the cooked paccheri pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly.

9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version.

• Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage to add more heat.

• Cheesy: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese into the sauce for extra creaminess.

• Herbaceous: Add chopped fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for additional flavor depth.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if necessary. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while paccheri is ideal for this recipe due to its size and shape, you can substitute with rigatoni, penne, or ziti if paccheri is unavailable.

Is there a non-dairy alternative to heavy cream?

Certainly. You can use coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute to achieve a similar creamy texture.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sausage and tomato sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the flavors of this pasta dish.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

While the sauce freezes well, pasta can become mushy when frozen and reheated. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to store the sauce separately and cook fresh pasta when serving.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free paccheri or another gluten-free pasta variety. Ensure that the sausage and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What can I serve alongside this pasta?

A simple green salad and crusty bread make excellent accompaniments to this hearty pasta dish.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can be sautéed and added to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.

Is this dish suitable for children?

Yes, it’s generally kid-friendly. If serving to children, you might want to omit the red pepper flakes to reduce spiciness.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Ensure you stir the pasta occasionally while cooking and toss it with a bit of olive oil after draining if not combining with the sauce immediately.

Conclusion

Paccheri pasta with sausage and creamy tomato sauce is a delightful dish that brings the warmth and richness of Italian cuisine to your table. Its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors make it a favorite for many. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to satisfy and impress.

Product Recommendations:

To prepare this dish authentically, consider using high-quality paccheri pasta. Here are some options:

• de Cecco Paccheri No.125 Pasta, 16 oz: Known for its premium quality and traditional Italian craftsmanship.

• Masciarelli Pasta Paccheri, 500 Grams: Imported from Italy, offering authentic taste and texture.

• Paccheri Italian Bronze-Drawn Pasta 500 gr by Caravella Fine: Bronze-drawn for a rough texture that holds sauce well.

• Farabella Paccheri Pasta Gluten Free 250g: A great gluten-free alternative without compromising on taste.

Enjoy your cooking!

Paccheri Pasta with Sausage and Creamy Tomato Sauce

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Paccheri Pasta with Sausage and Creamy Tomato Sauce is a hearty and indulgent dish featuring large paccheri pasta filled with a savory sausage and creamy tomato sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

• 12 ounces paccheri pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the paccheri pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
5. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 5 minutes.
8. Add the cooked paccheri pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
• Increase the red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for a spicier dish.
• For extra creaminess, stir in some shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese.
• Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the sauce.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and check that the sausage is gluten-free.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 45mg