Description
This Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta recipe combines zesty sausage, a creamy tomato sauce, and pasta for a quick, comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into pieces, and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Add cooked sausage back to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter option.
- For added veggies, mix in spinach or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg