Easy Spicy Sausage Penne

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready fast, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Uses simple, everyday ingredients with big flavour payoff.
• Adjustable spice levels to suit your taste.
• Comforting, hearty and great for feeding a family.

Ingredients

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

• Penne pasta
• Spicy sausages (such as Italian, chorizo or hot pork sausages)
• Olive oil
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Crushed or chopped tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Chili flakes or fresh chili
• Italian herbs or mixed herbs
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Remove sausage from casings and break into pieces. Cook until browned.
3. Add onion and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook briefly.
4. Mix in the tomato paste, chili flakes and herbs, cooking for a minute to enhance the flavour.
5. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
8. Serve warm topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 4 people
• Prep time: ~10 minutes
• Cook time: ~20 minutes
• Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

• Use mild sausages if you prefer less heat.
• Add vegetables such as spinach, bell pepper or zucchini.
• Stir in a splash of cream for a creamy, spicy tomato sauce.
• Replace penne with rigatoni, fusilli or spaghetti.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra depth.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or stock if the sauce thickens.

FAQs

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes. Use mild sausages and reduce or omit the chili flakes.

Can I use chicken or turkey sausages?

Absolutely. They work well and lighten the dish.

Should I remove sausage casings?

Removing them makes it easier to crumble the sausage into the sauce, but you can slice them instead if preferred.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes. Use roughly chopped ripe tomatoes, cooking them longer until they break down.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

Add a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half or mascarpone at the end.

What pasta shapes work best?

Penne, rigatoni, fusilli and shells all hold the sauce well.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Cook the sauce ahead and store in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh for best texture.

How can I boost the flavour?

Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, or sauté a bit of tomato paste until darkened.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes. Spinach, mushrooms, peppers or zucchini make great additions.

How do I thin a thick sauce?

Stir in a splash of reserved pasta water or stock until the desired consistency is reached.

Conclusion

This easy spicy sausage penne is a bold, satisfying and incredibly simple pasta dish that delivers maximum flavour with minimal work. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s a versatile recipe that welcomes your favourite add-ins and consistently produces a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. Enjoy it hot with plenty of Parmesan on top.

Easy Spicy Sausage Penne

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A quick, bold and spicy penne pasta dish made with crumbled sausages, rich tomato sauce and simple seasonings for a fast and satisfying weeknight meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

• 350 g penne pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (400 g) crushed or chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2–1 tsp chili flakes or 1 fresh chili, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian herbs or mixed herbs
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
• Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve a splash of pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it into pieces, and cook until browned.
3. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook briefly.
4. Add tomato paste, chili flakes and herbs. Cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavour.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer 10–15 minutes until thickened.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding pasta water if needed.
8. Serve topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Notes

• Use mild sausages if you prefer a less spicy dish.
• Add vegetables like spinach, bell pepper or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• A splash of cream creates a creamy spicy sauce.
• Pasta water helps loosen and emulsify the sauce.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 860 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg