Savory Italian Sausage Pasta: A Comforting Delight

Sometimes, a warm bowl of Italian sausage pasta feels like a hug from the inside. Picture this: rich, savory sausage mingling with perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a tangy tomato sauce that dances on your taste buds. The aromas wafting through the kitchen are enough to make anyone’s mouth water, and trust me when I say, you’ll want seconds—maybe even thirds.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; it was a chaotic weeknight dinner after a long day. My kids were bouncing off the walls as I stirred the pot, and when they finally tasted it, their eyes lit up like Christmas morning. It quickly became a family favorite! Perfect for cozy evenings or last-minute gatherings, this Italian sausage pasta promises to deliver delightful flavors that will leave everyone craving more.

The reactions from my family when they first tasted this recipe were priceless—their smiles were worth every minute spent in the kitchen!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Italian Sausage: Go for mild or spicy depending on your taste; fresh sausage links work best for maximum flavor.

• Pasta: Choose your favorite type—penne, fusilli, or spaghetti all do wonders in soaking up that sauce.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they add a fragrant kick that elevates the entire dish.

• Onion: A medium yellow onion will provide sweetness and depth to the sauce as it caramelizes.

• Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole peeled tomatoes; crush them by hand for a rustic texture in your sauce.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; its smoothness enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Herbs & Spices: Dried oregano and basil add classic Italian notes; feel free to toss in some red pepper flakes for heat!

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan brings creaminess and umami richness right at the end.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic so they’re ready to go when you need them.

Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, remove casings from sausage links and crumble them into the pan. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.

Add Aromatics: Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic into the skillet with the sausage. Sauté until onions turn translucent and fragrant—about 3-5 minutes.

Create Your Sauce Base: Pour in those crushed canned tomatoes along with dried oregano and basil. Stir well to combine everything and let it simmer gently while you cook your pasta.

Cook Your Pasta: In another pot, bring salted water to boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 8-10 minutes.

Mingle Everything Together!: Once pasta is ready, drain it (reserve a cup of pasta water), then toss into the skillet with your sauce mixture. Mix gently until every noodle gets coated. Add reserved water if needed for consistency.

Now you’re ready to serve this flavorful masterpiece! Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before diving into its deliciousness—you deserve every bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the Italian sausage in a large skillet, then add garlic and onion for flavor. While the sausage cooks, boil your pasta separately until al dente, ensuring everything comes together seamlessly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish by swapping out the pasta for zoodles or adding spinach for extra nutrition. You can also experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Italian sausage pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water to revive its original texture.

Sharing my first attempt at making Italian sausage pasta was hilarious; my friends loved it so much, they asked for seconds… and then thirds! I realized that good food brings people together.

FAQ

Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option and works well in this recipe.

What type of pasta is best for this dish?

Penne or rigatoni are excellent choices as they hold sauce beautifully.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute Italian sausage with a plant-based alternative or roasted vegetables for great flavor.

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Italian Sausage Pasta

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Italian Sausage Pasta is a comforting dish that combines savory sausage, al dente pasta, and a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, ensuring every bite is filled with delightful flavors. With just a few essential ingredients, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for more. Enjoy a warm bowl of this hearty meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat!

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp dried basil
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Remove casings from sausage and crumble into the pan. Cook until browned.
3. Stir in onions and garlic; sauté until onions are translucent.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil; simmer while cooking pasta.
5. Boil salted water, add pasta, and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain, reserving some pasta water.
6. Toss cooked pasta with the sauce mixture in the skillet. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 55mg