Spice up your dinner routine with this Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta, a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and hearty ingredients. Tender pasta is tossed with savory Italian sausage, a rich tomato sauce, and a touch of cream for a luxurious finish.

Perfectly balanced with a hint of heat and fresh herbs, this recipe is quick, easy, and sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a comforting meal, this pasta dish is a winner!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large pot (for boiling pasta)
Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

Ingredients Overview

Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta works perfectly.
Italian Sausage: Spicy or mild, depending on your preference.
Tomato Sauce: A rich, flavorful base made with crushed tomatoes and garlic.
Cream: Adds a touch of richness to the sauce.
Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley for a burst of freshness.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

For the Pasta

12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
Salt (for boiling water)

For the Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 small onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

For Garnish

Fresh basil (chopped)
Fresh parsley (chopped)
Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated. Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings)

Calories: ~500
Fat: ~25g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Protein: ~20g

Expert Tips

Extra Spice: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Creamy Option: Stir in an extra ¼ cup of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Fresh Herbs: Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.

FAQs

Can I use mild Italian sausage?
Yes, mild sausage works well if you prefer less heat.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but store the sauce and pasta separately. Reheat and combine just before serving.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.

Storing & Reheating

Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

Substitutions & Variations

Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage and omit the meat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
Extra Veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for more nutrition.

Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

Spice up your dinner routine with this Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta, a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and hearty ingredients. Tender pasta is tossed with savory Italian sausage, a rich tomato sauce, and a touch of cream for a luxurious finish. Perfectly balanced with a hint of heat and fresh herbs, this recipe is quick, easy, and sure to satisfy your cravings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

For the Pasta
12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
Salt for boiling water
For the Sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb spicy Italian sausage casings removed
1 small onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
Fresh basil chopped
Fresh parsley chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated. Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

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