Savory Italian Sausage Pasta: A Comforting Delight

Italian sausage pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings joy to any dinner table. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich, savory sauce, with juicy Italian sausage that has just the right amount of spice. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, tempting even the pickiest eaters to come running for a taste.

This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with laughter and warmth. I remember the first time I made it for my family; we all gathered around the table, and the smiles said it all. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a festive gathering, this Italian sausage pasta promises to be the star of the show.

I once made this dish for a potluck, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about it—some even asked for leftovers!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Italian Sausage: Choose either sweet or spicy based on your preference; both varieties add fantastic flavor.

• Pasta: Use any pasta shape; I love penne for its ability to hold onto sauce perfectly.

• Olive Oil: A splash of good-quality olive oil enhances flavors and aids in sautéing ingredients.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth; be generous because garlic lovers unite!

• Canned Tomatoes: Use crushed or diced tomatoes; they provide body and tanginess to the sauce.

• Basil and Oregano: Fresh herbs elevate the dish—don’t skip these flavorful additions!

• Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan at the end takes this dish over the top.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions—this usually means about 8-10 minutes.

Sauté the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced Italian sausage and cook until browned, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes.

Add Aromatics: Toss in minced garlic with the sausage, cooking until fragrant—about 1 minute will do! Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic can ruin everything.

Combine with Sauce Ingredients: Pour in canned tomatoes along with dried basil and oregano. Let this simmer on low heat while you drain your pasta—about 5 minutes should suffice.

Mingle It All Together: Once your pasta is drained (but don’t rinse!), add it straight into the sauce mixture. Stir gently so every noodle gets coated in that irresistible sauce.

Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over everything before serving. Mix well until melted slightly—it creates a creamy texture that’s simply divine!

Now you’re ready to plate up! Serve this Italian sausage pasta hot with extra cheese on top if you’re feeling indulgent—it’s like a warm hug on a plate! Enjoy every cheesy bite as you bask in compliments from friends and family alike.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, start by browning the Italian sausage first, then cook the pasta while preparing your sauce. This way, everything merges perfectly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize with veggies like spinach or bell peppers. You could also swap in different pasta shapes or add some red pepper flakes for heat.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to avoid dryness.

Sometimes, I whip this up for friends, and they always rave about how comforting it is—one friend even claimed it was “life-changing.”

FAQ

Can I use other types of sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage works well as lighter alternatives in this recipe.

What kind of pasta should I use?

Any pasta shape works; penne or rigatoni are great choices for holding sauce.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Swap Italian sausage for mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

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Italian Sausage Pasta

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• Author: Sophia Bennett
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Italian sausage pasta is a delightful, hearty dish that combines perfectly cooked pasta with savory Italian sausage and a rich tomato sauce. This comforting meal is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering, this Italian sausage pasta is sure to impress and satisfy.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the sausage: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
3. Add aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Combine sauce ingredients: Pour in crushed tomatoes, basil, and oregano. Simmer on low for about 5 minutes.
5. Mix it together: Add drained pasta to the sauce and stir until well coated.
6. Finish with cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 60mg