Italian Sausage Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Sausage Pasta is a one-pot wonder that’s full of flavor and packed with protein. The savory Italian sausage adds richness to the dish, while the creamy tomato sauce coats the pasta perfectly. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, the sausage brings a depth of flavor, and the whole dish comes together quickly, making it a perfect option for a busy night. The creamy texture, combined with the sausage’s seasoning, creates a meal that will satisfy your cravings for something comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes

• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.

2. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked.

3. Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook for about 3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add the tomatoes and spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Add the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.

6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

7. Serve: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicier: Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes to give the dish more heat.

• Add vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic.

• Use different pasta: Swap out the pasta type for your favorite variety, such as rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti.

• Make it lighter: Substitute the heavy cream for half-and-half or a lighter milk alternative for a less rich version.

• Add cheese: Top with additional shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese for an extra cheesy touch.

Storage/Reheating

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

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken sausage is a great lighter alternative to pork sausage. You can use mild or spicy chicken sausage for a similar flavor profile.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just heat the sauce and combine with the cooked pasta.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the sausage pasta for up to 1-2 months. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely! Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce for added nutrition. You can sauté them with the onion and garlic before adding the sausage.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Simply dice them and simmer them in the sauce for a longer time to break them down into a sauce-like consistency.

How do I know when the sausage is fully cooked?

The sausage is fully cooked when it’s no longer pink in the center and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Break up the sausage into small pieces to ensure it cooks evenly.

Can I use a non-dairy substitute for the cream?

Yes, you can use coconut milk, almond milk, or a plant-based cream alternative if you want a dairy-free version of the dish.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the rich taste of Italian sausage together with creamy tomato sauce and pasta. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The savory sausage combined with the creamy sauce creates a deliciously indulgent dish that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, with endless possibilities for variation and customization, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Enjoy!

Italian Sausage Pasta

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Italian Sausage Pasta combines savory Italian sausage with tender pasta in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal anytime.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1. 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
   
   12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
   
   1 tablespoon olive oil
   
   1 medium onion, diced
   
   2 cloves garlic, minced
   
   1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
   
   ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
   
   1 teaspoon dried basil
   
   1 teaspoon dried oregano
   
   ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
   
   Salt and pepper, to taste
   
   ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
   
   Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Set aside.

1. Cook : In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the tomatoes and spices: Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

1. For extra heat, use hot Italian sausage or increase the red pepper flakes in the sauce.
2. Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the sauce for more flavor and nutrition.
3. Use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta for a healthier version of this dish.
4. For a creamier version, add shredded mozzarella or ricotta to the sauce.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg