Creamy Tomato Italian Sausage Pasta
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Craving Comfort Food?
Fancy a bowl of heartwarming goodness? My Italian sausage pasta recipe is exactly what you need. Seriously, it's a hug in a bowl.
The creamy tomato sauce and spicy sausage are like a flavor explosion.
Brief Overview: A Touch of Italy
This recipe is inspired by classic Italian American cooking. It’s a simple weeknight pasta recipe that's ready in under an hour.
The creamy tomato pasta serves six hungry folks. It's perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits: Hearty and Healthy(ish)
This recipe is packed with protein and flavour. It's Italian comfort food at its finest. Serve it on a chilly evening or any time you need a pick-me-up.
What makes this red sauce pasta special? It's the perfect balance of spice and creaminess.
What You'll Need: Gear Up!
You'll need a big pot for pasta, a large skillet, and a colander. Plus, a wooden spoon is always handy. Don’t forget bowls to serve your Italian sausage recipe
The Star Ingredient: Sausage Power!
You'll need about 1 pound of Italian sausage , removed from its casing. Get sweet, hot, or a mix your call!.
Olive oil, onion, garlic, oregano, and a can of crushed tomatoes are essential. Heavy cream and Parmesan add that creamy touch.
I also love adding fresh basil at the end.
Level Up Your Pasta Game
Trust me, this pasta with sausage is a winner. It’s an easy Italian dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Plus, you can totally customize it. Add some extra spice, swap the pasta, or throw in some veggies. The possibilities are endless! Spicy sausage pasta is my favorite.
Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and how to bring this sausage and pasta bake to life. Get ready for some seriously delicious comfort food.
I usually prefer Penne pasta recipe for this dish. I hope you enjoy!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Alright, let's talk ingredients for this amazing Italian sausage pasta . Honestly, it's easier than figuring out what to watch on Netflix.
This weeknight pasta recipe is about to become your new best friend.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of Our Show
- Pasta: 1 pound (454g). Penne is my fave. But rigatoni is fab too.
- Water: 8 quarts (7.5 L) . For boiling that pasta like a boss.
- Salt: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Don't skip this!
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml). Extra virgin, if you fancy it.
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound (454g). Get it removed from its casing. Sweet, hot, or a mix. Your choice. For the best flavor, splurge on high-quality. The sausage is the star!
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium (approx. 1 cup/150g). Finely chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves (approx. 2 teaspoons/10g). Minced.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5ml). Essential!
- Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml). Optional, but adds a nice kick.
- Dry Red Wine: ½ cup (120ml). Also optional. Use chicken broth if you prefer.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounce (794g) can. Quality matters here.
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml). Makes it super creamy tomato pasta .
- Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (30g), grated. Plus more for serving.
- Fresh Basil: 2 tablespoons (30ml), chopped. For garnish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Duh!
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Fireworks
Oregano and red pepper flakes. That's the essential spice combination for this Italian sausage recipe . A splash of red wine adds depth.
No wine? No problem. Use chicken broth. Fresh basil is a game changer. It makes a HUGE difference.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Large pot. For boiling pasta.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven. To make the magic happen.
- Colander. For draining. Obviously.
- Wooden spoon or spatula. To stir things up.
That's all you need. Seriously. This easy Italian dinner is so straightforward. Now, let's get cooking some pasta with sausage and red sauce pasta ! It's gonna be Italian comfort food at its finest.
Prepare for a sausage and pasta bake !.
Creamy Tomato Italian Sausage Pasta: Your Weeknight Hero
Honestly, who doesn't love pasta? I do! I've made this Italian sausage pasta recipe so many times. It's my go-to easy Italian dinner when I need something quick.
We're talking serious Italian comfort food here. This isn't just pasta with sausage ; it's an experience . Let's dive in!
Prep Steps: Get Your Act Together (Mise en Place, Baby!)
First, chop your ingredients. We're talking onions, garlic, and basil. Get your 454g of sausage out of its casing. Honestly, good prep is half the battle! It's like having all your tools ready before you start a DIY project.
This weeknight pasta recipe hinges on organization. And for safety, remember to wash your hands. You know? Keep it clean.
step-by-step: Pasta Perfection (Almost!)
- Boil 7.5 L of salted water. Add 454g of pasta . Cook until al dente . Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, this is important.
- Brown 454g of Italian sausage in olive oil. Get it nice and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions until soft, about 5 minutes . Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in red wine (optional). Cook until reduced. Add 794g of crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes .
- Stir in sausage and 120ml heavy cream. Cook for 5 minutes .
- Add pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat. Use pasta water if it's too thick.
- Stir in 30g of Parmesan and basil. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Sausage Pasta Game
Want to really impress? Use high-quality Italian sausage recipe . It makes a HUGE difference! Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente is key.
I learned that the hard way. Common mistake? Forgetting the pasta water. It's liquid gold! My creamy tomato pasta is better than others.
You can make the sauce ahead of time for a quicker red sauce pasta . And feel free to add some spicy sausage pasta with extra red pepper flakes if you like that.
A variation is Sausage and pasta bake .
So there you have it! You're now equipped to make an amazing Italian Sausage Pasta. It's simple, it's delicious, and it's sure to be a hit. Now, go forth and cook!
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Italian Sausage Pasta
Alright, let’s talk shop. You've got the recipe for the best Italian sausage pasta , now how do we make sure it's amazing every single time? I’m gonna share some extra tips.
These are things I've learned in my own kitchen. Trust me, they will help!
Serving Suggestions: From Plate to Palate
Presentation matters, you know? For plating, think rustic charm. A big bowl of creamy tomato pasta , garnished generously with fresh basil and grated Parmesan.
Boom! For a side? Garlic bread, duh . It's perfect for soaking up that amazing sauce. A simple green salad offers a nice contrast, too.
If you are boozing, A glass of Chianti makes it feel like you are having a meal in Italy.
Storage Tips: Save It for Later
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This weeknight pasta recipe keeps well. In the fridge, it will last up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Freezing is an option, too! Just let it cool completely first. Then, pop it in a freezer safe container. It'll be good for up to 2 months .
To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, warm it up on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Variations: Make It Your Own
Want to switch things up? Go vegetarian! Use plant based sausage. Mushrooms and zucchini work great, too. Honestly, this pasta with sausage is super adaptable.
For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes. Or a dash of cayenne pepper. Feeling health conscious? Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
It's a lighter version but still creamy. It's a great Italian sausage recipe base to experiment with!
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Okay, let’s keep it real, this red sauce pasta is comfort food. But hey, it’s got protein from the sausage and carbs for energy.
Each serving clocks in around 650 calories . It’s packed with about 35g of protein , 30g of fat , 60g of carbohydrates , 5g of fiber and 10g of sugar .
It's also got around 800mg of sodium . This spicy sausage pasta is a well rounded meal.
Nutritional info is approximate.
So, there you have it! My extra notes for making this easy Italian dinner . Making my version of Italian sausage pasta a true showstopper.
Don't be afraid to experiment. And remember, cooking should be fun! You will soon be making restaurant quality Italian comfort food .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Italian sausage pasta ahead of time? It's a bit like herding cats trying to cook with the kids around!
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop before adding the cooked pasta. You might need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it up.
Best not to cook the pasta ahead of time though, as it can get a bit gloopy.
What's the best way to store leftover Italian sausage pasta? I always end up with too much!
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a little milk or water to prevent it from drying out. You can microwave it (obviously!), or reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop over medium low heat, stirring occasionally.
It’s just as good the next day, maybe even better!
I'm trying to watch my waistline any tips for making this Italian sausage pasta healthier without sacrificing taste?
You can definitely lighten things up! Use lean Italian sausage (like chicken or turkey sausage) or even plant based sausage crumbles. Swapping the heavy cream for plain Greek yogurt will cut calories and fat while still adding a lovely creaminess, just like they do on Bake Off when they're trying to make something healthy.
And don't be afraid to load up on veggies like spinach or bell peppers!
My family isn't big on spicy food. How can I adjust the recipe?
Not a problem! Simply omit the red pepper flakes entirely. You can also use sweet Italian sausage instead of hot or spicy sausage. If you've already made a batch that's a bit too spicy, try adding a little extra cream or a pinch of sugar to balance the heat.
Can I freeze this Italian sausage pasta? I'm all about batch cooking!
You sure can. For best results, freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. Cook the pasta al dente, drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, then cool completely before freezing. Thaw both the sauce and the pasta in the refrigerator overnight, then combine and reheat on the stovetop.
Freezing can slightly alter the texture of the pasta, but it's still a great time saver.
What other veggies could I add to my Italian sausage pasta to make it a one-pot wonder?
Get creative! Bell peppers (any color!), zucchini, mushrooms, and even a handful of spinach or kale are all great additions. Sauté them with the onion and garlic before adding the sausage.
Roasting the vegetables separately beforehand can also add another layer of flavour and stop it from tasting like you're eating rabbit food. Think of it like a veggie treasure hunt in every bite!
Creamy Tomato Italian Sausage Pasta
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 5g |