Italian Sausage Pasta
This comforting dish combines the robust flavors of savory sausage, al dente pasta, and rich tomato sauce, all harmonizing in one pot for easy preparation and cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd!
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Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 520kcal
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage sweet or hot, casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced, optional
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound penne pasta or other short pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream optional
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- fresh basil leaves for garnish
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains and it's starting to crisp at the edges.
- Add the diced onion to the browned sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Then add the garlic, red bell pepper, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked pasta directly to the sauce mixture. Stir well to ensure all pasta is submerged. Cover and simmer for 8-12 minutes (check your pasta package for timing guidance), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is al dente, stir in the heavy cream (if using) and half of the Parmesan cheese. The sauce should coat the pasta beautifully - if it's too thick, add a splash of broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes to allow the sauce to be absorbed further. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
For a lighter version, use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork. Plant-based sausage works wonderfully for vegetarian options. Short on time? Pre-sliced vegetables and pre-minced garlic save precious minutes. Dairy-free? Coconut cream makes an excellent substitute for heavy cream.
This dish often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 26g | Sodium: 890mg | Fiber: 3g
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