Description
Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the zest of Italian sausage with a rich tomato-based cream sauce. This recipe is both satisfying and quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 ounces (225 grams) uncooked penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (450 grams) spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1 (14.5-ounce/410 grams) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Cream: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, heavy cream, dried basil, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, use mild Italian sausage and reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. For extra heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes or using hot Italian sausage.
- Pasta Variations: While penne is recommended, other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle work well with this sauce.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.