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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.

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)

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